This Week in Urban Mobility

Welcome to This Week in Urban Mobility, your curated digest of the most important developments shaping the future of how we move in European cities. As an industry insider, I'm passionate about cutting through the noise to bring you the news, trends, and insights that truly matter for urban mobility professionals.

1. Voi's Secures $25M Amidst Micromobility's Evolving Landscape

Voi closes financing round following a record year in revenue and profitability

In a fresh turn of events, Voi Technology raises $25 million in a mix of equity and debt from existing investors, aiming to leverage the growing demand for electric scooters and the ongoing consolidation in the industry. CEO Fredrik Hjelm highlights the strategic advantage this gives Voi, especially as mergers and market exits reshape the competitive landscape. Despite not yet achieving profitability, Voi has shown promising signs of financial health, including a significant revenue increase, improved margins, and reduced overhead costs. This funding round, drawing participation from notable shareholders, sets a new post-money valuation for Voi at around $380 million, aligning with the company's trajectory towards profitability and market expansion.

2. More Scandinavian Efficiency: Surf Beyond's Strategic Move

Superpedestrian lives on with Surf Beyond acquisition

SURF Beyond Group , an Oslo-based micromobility operator, made headlines by acquiring the European assets of the faltering US e-scooter company, Superpedestrian , for €5 million. This acquisition allows Surf Beyond to significantly expand its presence in the micromobility industry, inheriting an extensive fleet of around 30,000 e-scooters and taking a significant step in its mission to scale operations beyond Norway to several European markets including Spain, France, the UK, Italy, Austria, and Germany. Superpedestrian, once a promising startup that raised $125 million just 18 months ago, faced a series of challenges leading up to its bankruptcy.

Surf Beyond's bold acquisition of Superpedestrian's European assets underscores the resilience and innovation of Scandinavian micromobility firms. As Surf Beyond navigates the complex market dynamics that Superpedestrian couldn't, it's clear that there might be valuable lessons in efficiency and strategy from Scandinavians for the global micromobility sharing economy. Their lean operations model, emphasizing sustainability and smart growth, could indeed be a blueprint for success in the competitive urban mobility landscape.

3. Orange is the New Green: Donkey Republic's 2023 Journey of Sustainable Success

Donkey Republic improves EBITDA by DKK 36.4M and realizes revenue of DKK 115.2M (70% growth rate) in 2023

Diving into the third (!) Scandinavian story this week, Donkey Republic stands out in 2023 with notable strides in sustainable micromobility. The Copenhagen-based company showcases a year of impressive growth, environmental consciousness, and social responsibility, as revealed in their annual and ESG reports. With a fleet designed for durability and sustainability, they've managed a significant 73% revenue boost, underscoring their financial and environmental success. The company's achievements, including reducing CO2 emissions by 528 tons and promoting inclusive urban mobility, mirror founder Erdem Ovacik 's commitment to merging sustainability with profitability. Donkey Republic’s progress is a shining example of Scandinavian innovation in creating profitable, shared micromobility solutions, with Erdem and the team leading the charge in this vital urban evolution.

4. Revealed: The Unexpected Success and Popularity of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods

Government tried to bury report which found that Low Traffic Neighbourhoods are effective and popular

The controversy surrounding Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in the UK has been reignited by a government-commissioned report which found them to be effective and popular, contrary to initial expectations. Commissioned by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak under a "pro-car" agenda, the report aimed to critique LTNs but ended up supporting their efficacy in reducing traffic and enhancing popularity among residents. Despite the government's reluctance to release the findings, which indicated a 45% approval rate among surveyed residents versus 21% opposition, the data suggests a significant public interest in sustainable urban mobility solutions. This scenario underscores the growing recognition of the need for greener, more sustainable modes of transport in urban planning, challenging the narrative of a "war on motorists" and highlighting a broader shift towards active travel and environmental consideration.

5. The Growing Concern of Large Vehicles in Urban Spaces

Are cars getting too big for the road?

As our urban landscapes become denser and our streets more crowded, the trend towards larger vehicles, such as SUVs and pickup trucks, is creating multifaceted challenges that cities around the world are struggling to address. These behemoths, while marketed for safety and comfort, bring with them a host of issues that complicate urban mobility and safety.

In recent years, the United States has witnessed a stark pedestrian fatality crisis, with rates soaring despite overall reduced vehicle mileage during the pandemic. The correlation between the increasing popularity of larger vehicles and rising pedestrian deaths cannot be ignored. The design of these vehicles, which impacts pedestrians at more vulnerable parts of their bodies, is a significant factor in the severity of injuries sustained in accidents. Despite the safety ratings these vehicles might achieve for their occupants, their design poses a greater risk to those outside the vehicle .

This situation underlines the pressing need for a paradigm shift towards smaller, more diverse vehicles within urban centers. Embracing micromobility and compact, efficient transportation options could be key in addressing these challenges, promising a safer, more sustainable, and accessible urban mobility landscape. The transition to such alternatives would not only alleviate congestion and reduce environmental impacts but also enhance safety for all road users. It's time for cities, policymakers, and individuals alike to reconsider the prevailing norms around vehicle size and embrace a future where urban mobility is defined by its inclusivity, sustainability, and respect for all inhabitants of the urban space.

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