Mobility Matters: Six Examples of Successful Mobility Concepts from Four Continents
Mobility is defined as your ability to move purposefully as you go through your day. It is the foundation for living a healthy and independent life. Mobility comprises all the skills required for everyday living: physical stamina, strength, balance, coordination, and range of motion.
The way we travel from place to place is changing at a faster pace than any time since the proliferation of automobiles, trains, and airplanes during the last century. There are two main drivers the need to adapt to changes in human behaviors and the need for greater sustainability. These factors are behind the ongoing shifts towards electrification, automation, connectivity, and as-a-service todays major technology trends in mobility.
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In this article, we will explore six examples of successful mobility concepts from four continents that illustrate how innovation is transforming mobility and improving our lives. These examples range from turning street lamps into charging stations for electric vehicles in Europe to providing urban mobility with electric air taxis in Asia.
Example 1: Ubitricity - turning street lamps into charging stations for electric vehicles in Europe Example 1: Ubitricity - turning street lamps into charging stations for electric vehicles in Europe
One of the main challenges for electric vehicle (EV) owners is finding a place to charge their vehicles. According to a report by the International Energy Agency, there were about 7.3 million chargers worldwide at the end of 2019, but only about 1 million of them were public. This means that most EV owners rely on home or workplace charging, which may not be available or convenient for everyone.
A German company called Ubitricity has come up with a clever solution: turning street lamps into charging stations for EVs. Ubitricity has developed a mobile electricity meter that is integrated into the cable that connects the EV to any system socket. The meter communicates with the cloud and enables billing and smart grid services. Ubitricity has partnered with local authorities and utilities to install system sockets on existing street lamps, creating a network of low-cost and low-impact charging points.
The benefits of Ubitricity's concept are manifold. It is cost-effective, as it does not require building new infrastructure or paying for parking space. It is convenient, as it allows EV owners to charge their vehicles wherever they park, without worrying about availability or compatibility. It is scalable, as it can be easily expanded to meet the growing demand for EV charging. And it is green, as it reduces the carbon footprint of EVs and supports the integration of renewable energy sources.
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* Mobility scooter rental Orlando Florida Example 2: Wunder - a ridesharing app that reduces traffic congestion and pollution in megacities in Asia and Latin America
Another major challenge for mobility is the increasing traffic congestion and pollution in megacities, especially in developing regions. According to the World Health Organization, more than 90% of the world's urban population lives in areas where air quality exceeds the recommended limits, causing millions of premature deaths and diseases every year. Moreover, traffic congestion costs billions of dollars in lost productivity, wasted fuel, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
A Hamburg-based company called Wunder has developed a ridesharing app that aims to reduce traffic congestion and pollution in megacities by connecting drivers and passengers who share similar routes. Wunder is different from other ridesharing apps in that it focuses on daily commuting rather than on-demand transportation. Users can create or join carpool groups, schedule their trips in advance, and pay a small fee to cover the driver's expenses. Wunder also provides incentives for drivers and passengers to use the app, such as rewards, discounts, and gamification.
The benefits of Wunder's concept are obvious. It is affordable, as it offers a cheaper alternative to public transportation or taxis. It is flexible, as it allows users to choose their preferred time, location, and companions. It is social, as it fosters a sense of community and trust among users. And it is eco-friendly, as it reduces the number of cars on the road and the associated emissions and noise. Example 3: Skai - a hydrogen-powered autonomous aircraft that offers clean and safe air mobility in North America
A third challenge for mobility is the high carbon emissions and safety risks from conventional aircrafts. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization, aviation accounts for about 2% of the global carbon dioxide emissions, and this figure is expected to rise as air travel demand increases. Moreover, aviation accidents are still a major concern, despite the improvements in technology and regulation.
A Massachusetts-based company called Skai has developed a hydrogen-powered autonomous aircraft that offers a clean and safe solution for air mobility. Skai is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle that uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity and power its six rotors. Skai can carry up to five passengers or 450 kg of cargo, and fly up to 650 km or four hours on a single tank of hydrogen. Skai also uses artificial intelligence and advanced sensors to navigate and avoid obstacles.
The benefits of Skai's concept are remarkable. It is renewable, as it uses hydrogen as a fuel source, which can be produced from water and renewable energy. It is reliable, as it has a high energy density and a low maintenance cost. It is versatile, as it can operate in various environments and scenarios, such as urban transportation, emergency response, or tourism. And it is accessible, as it does not require a pilot or a runway, and has a low noise level. Example 4: Volocopter - an electric air taxi service that provides urban mobility in Europe and Asia
A fourth challenge for mobility is the traffic jams and noise pollution in densely populated cities. According to the World Bank, urban areas account for about 80% of the global GDP, but also for about 70% of the global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, urban dwellers spend an average of one hour per day stuck in traffic, which affects their health, well-being, and productivity.
A German company called Volocopter has developed an electric air taxi service that provides a solution for urban mobility. Volocopter is a multicopter that can fly up to two passengers from point A to point B, either piloted or autonomously. Volocopter has 18 rotors, nine batteries, and a parachute system, and can fly up to 35 km or 30 minutes on a single charge. Volocopter has partnered with airports, regulators, and infrastructure providers to create a network of vertiports, where customers can book and board their flights.
The benefits of Volocopter's concept are evident. It is fast, as it can avoid traffic congestion and reduce travel time. It is quiet, as it has a low noise level compared to helicopters or planes. It is comfortable, as it has a spacious cabin and a smooth flight. And it is futuristic, as it offers a unique and exciting experience of flying in the city. Example 5: Neuron Mobility - an electric scooter rental company that promotes micromobility in Australia and New Zealand
A fifth challenge for mobility is the high demand for short-distance transportation options in urban areas. According to the World Economic Forum, about 60% of all trips in cities are less than 8 km, and most of them are made by cars, buses, or trains. These modes of transportation are often inefficient, expensive, or inconvenient for such short distances, and contribute to congestion and pollution.
A Singapore-based company called Neuron Mobility has developed an electric scooter rental service that promotes micromobility in Australia and New Zealand. Neuron Mobility operates a network of dockless e-scooters that can be accessed via a smartphone app. Users can locate, unlock, and pay for the e-scooters, which have a maximum speed of 25 km/h and a range of 50 km. Neuron Mobility also provides safety features, such as helmets, GPS tracking, geofencing, and voice guidance.
The benefits of Neuron Mobility's concept are clear. It is convenient, as it offers a flexible and easy way to get around the city. It is fun, as it adds some excitement and enjoyment to the daily commute. It is affordable, as it charges a low fee per minute or per trip. And it is sustainable, as it reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and the emissions of greenhouse gases.
Example 6: Motability Scheme - a leasing scheme that enables people with disabilities to access mobility solutions in the United Kingdom
A sixth challenge for mobility is the limited mobility and independence for people with disabilities. According to the World Health Organization, about 15% of the world's population lives with some form of disability, and many of them face barriers to accessing transportation, education, employment, health care, and social services. These barriers affect not only their well-being and dignity, but also their potential contribution to society.
A British charity called Motability has developed a leasing scheme that enables people with disabilities to access mobility solutions in the United Kingdom. The Motability Scheme allows eligible people to exchange their mobility allowance for a new car, scooter, or wheelchair accessible vehicle. The scheme covers the cost of insurance, maintenance, breakdown assistance, and adaptations. The scheme also offers support and advice to help customers find the best option for their needs.
The benefits of the Motability Scheme's concept are significant. It is inclusive, as it caters to a wide range of disabilities and personal circumstances. It is supportive, as it provides financial assistance and customer service. It is flexible, as it allows customers to choose from a variety of vehicles and features. And it is empowering, as it enhances the mobility and independence of people with disabilities.
Conclusion
Mobility matters because it affects our quality of life, our health, our environment, and our economy. Mobility innovation is driven by various factors, such as sustainability, human behavior, electrification, automation, connectivity, and as-a-service. The six examples we have discussed in this article show how diverse and creative solutions are emerging to address the challenges and opportunities of mobility in different contexts and regions.
As we look ahead to the future of mobility, we can expect more collaboration between public and private sectors, more integration of data and technology, more attention to user needs and preferences, and more awareness of environmental and social impacts. We can also hope for more accessibility, affordability, safety, and convenience for all travelers.
How do you see mobility changing in your city or country? What are some mobility solutions that you would like to try or see implemented? Let us know in the comments below!
FAQs
What is mobility?
Mobility is your ability to move purposefully as you go through your day. It is the foundation for living a healthy and independent life.
What are the main drivers and trends of mobility innovation?
The main drivers are sustainability and human behavior. The main trends are electrification, automation, connectivity, and as-a-service.
What are some examples of successful mobility concepts from four continents?
Some examples are Ubitricity (Europe), Wunder (Asia and Latin America), Skai (North America), Volocopter (Europe and Asia), Neuron Mobility (Australia and New Zealand), and Motability Scheme (United Kingdom).
What are some benefits of these mobility concepts?
Some benefits are cost-effectiveness, convenience, scalability, greenness, affordability, flexibility, socialness, eco-friendliness, renewability, reliability, versatility, accessibility, fastness, quietness, comfort , and futuristicness.
What are some insights or recommendations for future mobility trends?
Some insights or recommendations are more collaboration between public and private sectors, more integration of data and technology, more attention to user needs and preferences, and more awareness of environmental and social impacts.
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