Urban mobility has suffered incredible changes during the last years. The emergence of electric scooters and other vehicles of this kind has completely revolutionized the way people move around cities. Not only are they comfortable, but they do not pollute. The environmental damage and pollution we have created is more noticeable than ever. Rising temperatures and heat waves are a good example of this, and it doesn’t look like the situation will improve unless we start changing habits.
Urban electric mobility is one of the measures that can help reduce polluting emissions in cities and improve the quality of life of their inhabitants. They have also started to implement their own initiatives, such as carsharing, sustainable to the use of private cars. It involves renting vehicles for a short period of time. This mode helps to reduce the volume of traffic in cities and results in less pollution because fewer cars are used.
But we are not only talking about small vehicles such as scooters or unicycles (which in their original form are already zero pollutants), but also about large cars, such as utility vehicles, trucks and buses, which have jumped on the sustainability bandwagon. Many of them, especially in cities, are now electric or hybrid. Reducing or even eliminating pollution from this type of transport is crucial given its high utilization. In fact, it is very important to encourage the use of public transport to reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Therefore, the new electric vehicles have become one of the best options to move around the city, and seem to be the future of these.
New vehicles for new times
It is clear that the variety currently available with respect to urban electric mobility has led to an increase in its use. And rightly so, since the possibilities of these new transports adapt to almost any characteristic and pocket. In addition to large vehicles, such as buses, there are many small transports that can help you move around the city quickly and sustainably:
Electric bicicles
It consists of a conventional bicycle to which a battery is added, capable of storing energy. It is usually made of lead, nickel and metal hydride or lithium-ion. Its autonomy, in general, is around 30 kilometers. At that time it would need to be recharged. Accompanying the battery is the motor, which generates the power. The main difference compared to conventional models is that they are pedal-assisted, so much less effort is required. Some people get one because they use it frequently and others prefer to rent them.
Electric scooter
One of the most popular vehicles in recent years. It generates 0 pollution via fuel and is very practical, since it can be folded and does not take up much space in the house. In addition, they generate hardly any noise. Another of its advantages, which is surely a great incentive for those who are thinking of getting one, is its price. You can buy one for 300€, although the price range can reach up to 1000€. It all depends on what you want to spend.
electric motorcycle
One of the most important reasons for choosing this sustainable alternative is fuel savings. It is 17 times cheaper to travel with an electric motorcycle than with a conventional one. Moreover, as it does not emit any polluting gas, you contribute to improve the air quality of your city and take care of the environment. Not to mention the zero noise pollution, as these motorcycles hardly make any noise.
Hoverboard
Popular especially among children and teenagers, this electric skateboard, in addition to being non-polluting and quite affordable, contributes to physical health. As you need to stay focused and keep your balance, the hoverboard allows you to exert your core strength to stand upright.
Unicycle
It is one of the least popular of all the new electric vehicles, perhaps because of its shape or because it seems complicated to use. Although it takes some practice to get the hang of it, the unicycle provides many advantages: it is sustainable, economical and you can ride it on the sidewalk. Forget the bike lanes or the road.
Advantages of urban electric mobility
It is clear that we are heading towards an electric future. Urban electric mobility is here to stay. The increased use of electric means of transport is a response to environmental awareness and the enormous benefits they can generate for both cities and the environment. Let’s take a look at some of them:
Reduction of noise pollution
It is one of those ‘silent problems’ because it is not talked about. However, noise pollution can have a very negative impact on people and can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, gastritis, colitis, rapid heartbeat or stress. Therefore, this feature is of great importance for a better future, because, as we have mentioned before, electric vehicles hardly make any noise.
Goodbye to emissions
One of the great problems of our era: pollution. Unlike traditional means of transportation, the use of electric vehicles does not generate polluting gases that affect the environment. The use of electricity in transportation is a breath of fresh air for our environment and the ozone layer. These vehicles also raise environmental awareness, helping us to realize the impact of our carbon footprint on the ecosystem and pushing us to try to reduce it.
No speed is sacrificed
There is an assumption that electric motors do not offer the same power as fuel engines. Early motors running on electricity may have been slower, but things have changed a lot. The electric motor provides immediate and continuous power. We only have to keep an eye on the battery level, as with gasoline. In addition, electric motors allow smooth accelerations that do not cause damage to the vehicle, which in the long run can lead to cost savings in repair shops.
Saving
Electric cars (although this applies to all electric transport) consume half the energy of a combustion car. This consequence is directly related to monetary savings, since the cost of an electric car over specific distances is substantially lower. Although the initial investment for an electric vehicle is, depending on the model, high, it generates savings in the long term.
Renting is an option
As we have just mentioned, not everyone can afford an electric car, so cities that are committed to electric mobility encourage its use through rental services of all types of electric transport (cars, bicycles, public scooters…). In this way, in addition to saving and not polluting, you contribute to the circular economy.
Past, present and future of electric mobility
Electric vehicles, although often thought of as a contemporary creation, have been on the minds of inventors for longer than they seem. In fact, the first electric cars appeared around 1880, and bicycles at the end of the 19th century. Technological advances and research have catapulted the manufacture of electric vehicles, promoting their use for both private and public transportation.
Today, companies are making a major effort to help the transition to electrification and reduce CO2 emissions. This is why the use of electric vehicles and their standardization is so important. Although the infrastructure of recharging points needs to continue to evolve, it is now possible to travel around Spain with relative ease. In fact, trials with autonomous and semi-autonomous buses are also underway in several European countries to take electric mobility to the next level.
It is important for this type of transport to reduce the number of recharging stops, so the main objective is to improve the batteries and their life. The more power a vehicle has to use to turn the wheels, the more force it needs, and therefore the more fuel or battery it will use if it is electric. In a private utility vehicle this may be irrelevant, but for a vehicle the size of a bus it can make all the difference. Therefore, research is being conducted on how this resistance can be reduced in a fleet of city buses in order to increase the number of electric city buses. Any improvement is welcome if it reduces CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.
Initube and sustainability
The future is undoubtedly green. The access to multiple electric vehicles, in addition to the creation of specific lanes for them, is a cry for sustainability and environmental awareness unparalleled. The demand for these transports is increasing day by day, as well as the technological advances that will further improve their quality, comfort and sustainability.
At Initube we work to adapt to any need that these new transports and their updates may require. That is why we have customers in the electric mobility sector with whom we collaborate to develop key parts such as the chassis of electric motorcycles. We know that it is necessary to always seek sustainability, so both our products and their creation process are constantly evolving to meet the demand for urban electric mobility. Would you like to meet us?
