Ride AI

Ride AI

By Sophia Tung and James GrossBusiness
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Ride AI episodes

  • Exclusive: Launch of the P1 from Infinite Machine

    Offer and Giveaway

    Micromobility America is right around the corner. You can get your tickets to the show here and be one of the first to ride the P1! https://micromobility.io/events/micromobility-america
    Enter for your chance to win a new Lectric Lite at RideReview.com https://ridereview.com/giveaway/win-a-lectric-lite-with-commuter-bundle
    Summary
    Today we have the exclusive launch of the P1 from Joseph and Eddie Cohen. The P1 is a new electric moped designed by start-up Infinite Machine to be fast, fun, and practical for urban transportation. It has a powerful motor, removable batteries, and tech features like wireless CarPlay. With its striking sculptural design, the P1 aims to make electric vehicles inspiring. Preorders are now open, with priority delivery for the first 100 units. The founders see it as part of their mission to reimagine vehicles and reduce car dependence in cities.
    Emoji Bullets
    🙂 Launch of the P1 electric moped from Infinite Machine
    🛵 Brothers Joseph and Eddie Cohen started Infinite Machine to create the perfect electric city vehicle
    📱 P1 has a fast 6KW motor, removable batteries, carplay, and a modular design
    🚘 Inspired by automotive brands to create a beautiful, sculptural vehicle
    💨 Accelerates quickly with a turbo boost button - designed to make you smile
    🔋 Removable batteries allow charging without needing garage
    🎧 Built-in speakers and navigation audio for safety
    💵 $10,000 MSRP - preorders open today
    🏍 First 100 units get priority delivery for $5,000 deposit
    👪 Owners become part of an exclusive club with perks and membership
    🚲 Different from e-bikes: faster, street legal, and can be left locked outside
    🔋 UL certification on batteries for safety
    🛣 Able to keep up with cars on roads up to 55mph
    🎨 Distinctive anodized metal finish in silver or black
    🌎 Plans to expand with more vehicles and global showrooms
    🚘 Mission is to rethink vehicles and reduce cars for better cities

    36 min
  • The Future of Delivery is with Robots

    Offers and Giveaways

    Micromobility America is right around the corner. You can get your tickets to the show here: https://micromobility.io/events/micromobility-america

    Enter for your chance to win a new Lectric Lite at RideReview.com https://ridereview.com/giveaway/win-a-lectric-lite-with-commuter-bundle
    Summary
    James Gross talked with Ain McKendrick the Founder and CEO of Faction about how the future of delivery is evolving with Faction, offering new opportunities and advancements in the industry. Faction provides driverless delivery vehicles for last mile logistics by combining autonomous technology with remote human assistance. In the conversation, Ain discusses Faction's focus on short 3-5 mile repetitive delivery routes for commercial users like bakeries and retailers. He explains how Faction works with light electric vehicle OEMs to incorporate their driverless tech on the production line. McKendrick notes they have operated legally in states with supportive regulations like Nevada, Arizona, Texas. Faction recently raised an extension funding round from TDK Ventures to help scale their delivery fleets in 2024, with plans to partner with national retailers and food brands. Faction won Micromobility America's Riders Choice Award in 2023 for autonomy and robotics.
    Highlights
    🚚 Faction provides driverless delivery vehicles combining autonomy and remote human assistance
    📦 Focus on short 3-5 mile repetitive last mile logistics routes for commercial users
    🤝 Works with light electric vehicle OEMs to incorporate driverless tech
    🚦 Has operated legally in states with supportive regulations
    💰 Raised extension round from TDK Ventures to scale fleets in 2024
    🤝 Looking to partner with national retailers and food brands
    🏆 Won Micromobility America's Riders Choice Award in 2023

    42 min
  • Climate Week has no micro, Bike Buses instead of Car Lines and Will We Start to See Front Loading Cargo Electric Bikes in the USA?

    Win a Tenways CGO 600 Pro ($1,900 value)! Called "The Lightweight Champion" of electric bikes, the Tenways CGO600 Pro doesn't disappoint. https://ridereview.com/giveaway/tenways-ggo-600-pro-usd1-900-value

    Chapters: 00:00- 9:55 Announcements and Giveaways
    9:56 - 19:17Travel Patterns Are Changing19:18 - 21:52 Electric Share is the only Share 21:53 - 24:51The Dreaded Car Pickup Line
    24:52 - 32:00 Vehicle Launches
    32:00 - 47:34 Meet Sartee Bikes CEO

    Notes

    - 🎙️ Hosts: James Gross and Julia Thayne discuss their experiences at the recent Climate Week in New York, shedding light on the intersection of climate change, technology, finance, and micromobility.
    - 🌱 NYC Climate Week Insights: Despite missing key policymakers, the event was characterized by enthusiasm and a high level of participation. Julia highlighted a notable shift in focus towards tech and finance as vital components in climate transition, emphasizing their increasing role and presence in discussions and initiatives.
    - 🚲 Micromobility Underrepresentation: Julia noted a lack of representation and underestimation of micromobility solutions in climate discussions, suggesting a need for better quantification and communication of the impact of micromobility on climate change.
    - 📈 Shift in Travel Patterns: Studies from The Brookings Institute and Bloomberg showed a shift in Americans' travel patterns, with a significant increase in bike trips and a growing interest in electric bikes, underscoring the necessity for cities to adapt transportation options to people's evolving needs.
    - 🚴 Bike Buses for Schools: Highlighting the current inefficient and wasteful car-centric school commute patterns, James discusses the emergence of "bike buses" as a potential solution to mitigate congestion and promote sustainability.
    Additional Information
    - E-Bike Popularity in Bike Shares: The rising preference for electric bikes in bike share programs in various cities was discussed, with speculation on how this preference could influence the cost and operational strategies of these programs.
    Launch Highlights
    🛵 Honda's Moto Compacto: Honda has revived its iconic 80s Moto Comao as an all-electric vehicle. This vehicle is designed for easy storage and is targeted at urban environments. Test rides are being held until November, reflecting some concerns from Honda about the vehicle's reception.
    🚲 Mini’s Angel Mobility E-Bike: Mini has released a sleek e-bike limited to 1959 units, marking the year Mini was founded. It reflects Mini’s entry into the micromobility space and seems to be a test to gauge market interest.
    🚨 Product Recall:
    TreK Alant+ 7 faces a recall due to a serious brake issue. This recall highlights some challenges traditional bike makers face in the e-bike market.
    Bo's Scooter Headed for Production:
    Bo has announced the production and delivery timeline for its highly anticipated scooters.
    The first units are expected early next year, with deliveries commencing in early 2024.
    🌟 Celebrity Influence: Ryan Reynolds' endorsement of the Arc electric motorcycle has boosted interest in electric bikes.
    Interview with Sartee Electric Bikes Founder and CEO, Jared Sartee
    🚴 Sartee Bikes' Front-loading Cargo Bikes:
    Jared Sartee discussed the advantages of front-loading cargo bikes and their potential to replace car trips.The focus is on modularity, repairability, and providing a fun ride. Manufacturing is done in Canada, aligning with the company’s principles of customer connection and adaptability.
    🤔 Consumer Perceptions:
    The episode delves into the consumer perceptions surrounding front-loading and back-loading cargo bikes. It emphasizes the need for more hands-on experiences for consumers to understand the benefits and feel comfortable with new formats of micro-mobility vehicles.

    48 min
  • Laura Kavanagh, Commissioner of the NYC Fire Department on how they are fighting battery fires

    Laura Kavanagh was appointed Fire Commissioner by Mayor Eric Adams in October 2022. As Fire Commissioner, Kavanagh oversees the day-to-day operations of the largest fire department in the country, with more than 17,000 employees and a $2 billion budget. We're excited to have Laura Kavanagh on the show today to talk specifically about battery fires, where according to the FDNY, batteries have led to 180 fires (now 187) and tragically 14 people have died so far this year in NYC.

    Summary
    Commissioner Laura Kavanagh of the NYC Fire Department discusses her rise through the ranks and her leadership in handling various emergencies. The focus of the conversation centers on the rising incidence of battery fires in the city, attributed to small electric vehicles like e-bikes, used predominantly by delivery workers. There is concern about the modifications and underground markets around these devices, emphasizing the need for regulation, inspection, and collaboration with other departments and agencies to address the immediate and future challenges presented by these battery fires.
    Highlights

    •  Laura Kavanagh, the 34th commissioner of the NYC Fire Department, has held various roles and oversaw the department’s response to several emergencies, including the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and the Ebola outbreak in 2015.
    •  The FDNY reports a substantial rise in battery fires, recording 220 in 2022, up from 30 in 2019, and has noted the prevalence of these fires in small electric vehicles like e-bikes, scooters, and mopeds.
    •  Much attention is given to delivery workers as they are heavily reliant on these devices, which are often modified or altered to enhance performance or extend battery life, contributing to the risks and frequency of fires.
    •  Numerous issues arise from modifications, DIY conversion kits, and unregulated devices entering the market, creating unsafe conditions and usage that go beyond the original intended design of these electric vehicles.
    •  The challenge of inspecting and regulating these devices is intensified by the prevalence of underground markets and the inability to inspect private apartments where unsafe charging and alterations often occur.
    •  The FDNY is collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies to examine and address the public safety impacts, with considerations on future innovations, recycling, and regulations on electrification.
    •  While government agencies are receptive and showing progress, Kavanagh emphasizes the urgency in expediting regulations and legislative actions to address the growing and immediate risks associated with battery fires in small electric vehicles.
      • 36 min
    • News: Bloomberg shows how micro is the mobility solution for climate and more | Interview: Oonee CEO Shabazz Stuart

      Win a Tenways CGO 600 Pro ($1,900 value)! Called "The Lightweight Champion" of electric bikes, the Tenways CGO600 Pro doesn't disappoint. Head on over to ridereview.com for your chance to win. https://ridereview.com/giveaway/win-a...

      We’re incredibly excited to introduce the first round of speakers joining us at Micromobility America in the SF Bay Area this October! Manufacturers, operators, brands, policymakers, investors, media—and this is just the start. https://micromobility.io/events/micro...
      Chapters:
      00:00 - 3:10 Announcements and giveaways
      3:11 - 7:47 Bloomberg says micro is making all the difference with climate
      7:48 - 14:29 Utah Clean Air Partnership successful ebike voucher program and the failure of others
      14:30 - 16:02 LATimes stands up for electric bikes
      16:03 - 20:57 Encinitas update on state of emergency around Electric Bikes
      20:58 Shabazz Stuart, Founder and CEO of Oonee
      According to Bloomberg NEF, there are nearly 300M electric two- and three-wheelers on the road worldwide, and collectively, they displace about 4x as much oil demand as the entire global fleet of electric cars. The EV revolution has arrived… on two/three wheels.
      Electric bike vouchers are increasing in popularity across the U.S. In Utah, the Utah Clean Air Partnership is working with Magnum Bikes to provide eligible residents with vouchers of up $1,200. The voucher program offers up to $800 off Magnum e-bikes and $1,200 for the cargo e-bike models. For income-qualified applicants, the voucher amount goes up to $1,000 and $1,400 for cargo e-bikes.
      While the New York Times continues to bash ebikes as a menace to public safety at every turn, the LA Times is more discerning about the real problems affecting our urban road networks: “The focus on young ebike riders’ safety can obscure the bigger crisis: People driving cars and trucks are killing more people on our roads.”
      How do scooter and bike sharers gain permission to operate in a given locale? Many municipalities base their decision, in part, on lucrative revenue sharing requirements, a practice that some experts say is creating a “negative cycle” for both operators and cities. → need standardized agreements
      We have Shabazz Stuart, Founder and CEO of Oonee
      Oonee builds, finances, and operates automated bike parking infrastructure that humanizes public spaces. It is driven on changing the mobility game in cities by building a network of smart, modular, pods that provide secure parking for bikes and scooters on the interior while providing public space amenities on the exterior.

      38 min
    • NYC enforces traffic cameras but falls down on their eBike replacement project | New vehicle launches | Interview with Patrick Wirth at Baloise Group

      We’re incredibly excited to introduce the first round of speakers joining us at Micromobility America in the SF Bay Area this October! Manufacturers, operators, brands, policymakers, investors, media—and this is just the start. https://micromobility.io/events/micromobility-america

      We are giving away some GOFLUO gear. Leave a comment here and head on over to ridereview.com for your chance to win. https://ridereview.com/giveaway/win-a-gofluo-bodyflower-and-bag
      Chapters:
      00:00 - 5:20 Announcements and giveaways
      5:21 - 8:59 NYC enforces traffic cameras
      9:00 - 14:18 NYC Equitable Commute Project off to slow start
      14:19 - 17:18 Lavoie buys Vanmoof
      17:19 - 19:52 Kenya shipping electric motorcycles at scale
      19:53 - 31:58 Vehicle Launches!
      31:59 Interview with Patrick Wirth at Baloise Group
      NYC has speed cameras cranking
      Here’s a novel idea for reducing car deaths: enforce traffic laws. One year after introducing its new 24/7 automatic traffic ticketing system, New York City speed violations have reportedly dropped by 30%.
      Small mode shift leads to big gains
      A good argument for why motorists should want to see more ebikes on the road: “Studies have shown that a mere 10% shift from car drivers to bike riders has resulted in a 40% reduction in traffic congestion. Even if you never touch an ebike, you would benefit from supporting their increased use.”
      Lavoie buys Vanmoof
      Cult ebike brand VanMoof has been bought out of bankruptcy by Lavoie, a company that makes high-end scooters based on McLaren Applied’s Formula 1 technology. VanMoof’s bankruptcy earlier this summer had left its more than 190,000 riders in limbo.
      NYC Equitable Commute Project can't get off the ground
      New York City’s ebike trade-in program—designed to help delivery workers swap low-quality, fire-prone bikes for safer, industry-certified models—is off to a rocky start. Since July, only three bikes have been traded in. Experts say the city’s 60,000+ delivery workers aren’t participating due to language barriers, cost of the trade-ins, and a slow and somewhat difficult approval process.
      Kenya is making the US programs look silly.
      Kenya has revealed the details of its ambitious new plan to encourage electric motorbikes adoption through a manufacturing partnership with the African startup Spiro. “[President] Ruto said Kenya currently had 1,000 of the new bikes, with another 10,000 on their way, and that Spiro had established a plant with the capacity to assemble 1,000 of the vehicles daily.”
      Vehicle Launches
      The new V13 Challenger from Chinese manufacturer InMotion is a thrilling new electric unicycle that reaches a staggering top speed of 87 mph (140 kph), powered by a 4,500W motor with a maximum torque of 300 Nm.
      Speaking of Specialized, the company just launched the new Globe Haul LT electric cargo bike, a heavy duty hauler equipped with a throttle and a top speed of 28 mph (45 kph). The $3,500 bike has a carrying capacity of 176 lbs (80kg), a 700W hub motor equipped with a torque sensor, and a UL-listed 772 Wh batter with a range of up to 90 miles (96 km).
      Cannondale’s Cargowagen and Wonderwagen Neo are two newest additions on the electric cargo bike scene. The Cargowagen is a longtail that can haul up to 80kg, while the Wonderwagen has a giant front bay that can carry 100 kg, plus another 27kg on the rear rack. Both models are powered by capable Bosch motors, giving them a top speed of 28 mph (45 kph).
      Interview with Patrick Wirth
      Today we have Patrick Wirth on the show. Patrick is the VP of Mobility at Baloise Group. Baloise, is a European insurance company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. Founded in 1863, the company offers a range of insurance and pension solutions, as well as investment products. VC. It is very cool to see an insurance company get into VC and take a different approach to not only investing but also the ongoing relationship these companies might have with an insurance company.

      1 hr 2 min
    • Julie Vets of GOFLUO, no more ugly yellow vests!

      We are doing a GOFLUO giveaway, leave a comment here and enter to win at Ride Review: https://ridereview.com/giveaway/win-a-gofluo-bodyflower-and-bag

      Meet Julie Vets, Founder and CEO of GOLUO, https://gofluo.com/, and learn how she is inventing the category of high visibility gear for everyone that is moving.
      You can also see Julie present at Micromobility Europe 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7br1CqOz3EU&t=43s

      33 min
    • Wombi Brings Subscription Cargo Ebikes to the USA

      James Gross interviews entrepreneur Dan Carr about the U.S. launch of Wombi, an all-inclusive electric cargo bike subscription, in Culver City and West LA: https://wombi.us/

      Wombi aims to encourage people in Los Angeles to drive less, be more active, and enjoy their city. They offer electric cargo bikes as an alternative to cars, addressing issues like traffic, social isolation, and fluctuating gas prices. Wombi started in Australia as Lug+Carrie and has a history of helping people find car alternatives.
      Customers can pick a Wombi bike that suits their lifestyle, customize it with accessories, and enjoy free delivery. The subscription includes full bike maintenance, insurance, and the flexibility to adapt to changing needs, such as adding child seats or pet carriers. There are two ebikes to choose from, the Tern Quick Haul and Tern GSD, with over 20 accessories.
      Chapters:
      00:00 - 03:50 Why subscription + cargo ebikes is a game-changer
      03:50 - 07:12 Backstory of the brand in Australia (Lug+Carrie)
      07:12 - 13:45 Wombi's launch in SoCal
      13:45 - 18:12 Lowering the barrier to entry with subscription
      18:12 - 20:55 Why Wombi uses ebikes from Tern
      20:55 - 23:03 Improvements in theft prevention
      23:03 - 30:46 Incentives for families, schools, cities
      30:46 - 35:09 Future growth plans

      36 min
    • Onewheel Interview with Founder and CEO Kyle Doerksen, Vehicle Launches and more!

      Win a lectric XP 3.0, comment here and enter the contest here: https://ridereview.com/giveaway/lectric-xp-3-0-giveaway-

      We announced the Ride Expo in the San Francisco Bay Area on October 20th! Register now for a $10 ticket. https://lu.ma/yvv4158o


      Wondering where you can and can’t drive your new low-speed electric vehicle? GEM’s new app shows every road in the U.S. with posted speed limits of 35 mph (56 km/h) or lower. Here is our interview with their CEO. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtqX6s1CyXg

      NABSA just released its fourth annual Shared Micromobility State of the Industry Report for North America, which finds that ridership in North America has returned to pre-pandemic levels with 157 million trips taken in 2022. 401 cities = all-time high.

      James' interview with Ed Niedermeyer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HTfjKCoijw

      Vehicle Launches

      Bengaluru-based Ola Electric is coming out with four new electric motorbikes, with sales and deliveries starting in a year. Among the latest additions is the S1-X, which the company claims will be one of the most affordable mopeds in India at $1,085.

      … on the other end of Ola’s new product spectrum is the outlandishly edgy Diamondhead. While little is currently known about the futuristic supersport’s performance, based on the teaser video, internet sleuths have deduced the bike is a center-hub steered machine.

      Trek just announced the Ponto Go, its first moped-style electric utility bike, through its Electra brand. The Ponto Go is outfitted with a long rear rack, an extended bench seat with foot pegs for a second rider, pedal forward geometry, and high rise handlebars. The tandem vehicle can reach a top speed of 26 mph (42 kph) with pedal assist and has a max range of 60 miles (96 km).

      Indian manufacturer Mahindra’s new electric rickshaw, the e-Alfa Super, is a modern utility vehicle with 59 miles (95 km) of range on a single charge. (But if you do run out of juice, the vehicle comes with access to 10,000 charging stations across India). Mahindra claims the new three-wheeler is “best-in-class” for its safety and comfort features.

      Electric trikes truly come in all shapes in sizes. Take, for example, the new Vook, which looks likes a cross of a gokart and beach cruiser with its low center of gravity and swept-back handelbars. The tiny vehicle, which just launched on Indiegogo, promises a remarkable top speed of 40 mph (64 kph).

      We have Kyle Doerksen on Ride On! Founder and CEO of Onewheel
      https://onewheel.com/


      44 min
    • Why urbanists are wrong about AVs w/ Tesla critic Ed Niedermeyer

      Jame Gross interviews Edward Niedermeyer, the author of Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors. Nathan Robinson has suggested that there is "probably no greater expert on the career of Elon Musk and the development of Tesla [than Niedermeyer]." His insights regarding Tesla Autopilot in particular have been cited repeatedly.

      Chapters:
      00:00 - 03:54 CPUC ruling on paid operations on L4 AVs in San Francisco
      03:55 - 07:29 Will L4 AVs lead to much less traffic violence?
      07:30 - 09:09 Teslas are not L4 AVs
      09:10 - 21:03 Are urbanists are wrong about L4 AVs?
      21:04 - 27:56 The L4 AV tech is very real and should push automakers to do more
      27:57 - 35:50 Demos of different vision technology, regulation and safety marketing
      35:51 - 38:10 AV technology is how we get out of car monopoly hell
      In August 2023, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved permits for Cruise and Waymo to charge fares for passenger service in San Francisco.
      The CPUC agreement for AVs to operate in San Francisco includes a number of safety and operational requirements that the companies must meet. These requirements include:
      The AVs must be equipped with a variety of sensors and cameras to detect and avoid obstacles.
      The AVs must be able to operate in a variety of weather conditions.
      The AVs must have a safety driver on board who can take control of the vehicle if necessary.
      The AVs must be operated in a safe and responsible manner.
      The approval of the CPUC agreement is a major milestone for the development and deployment of AVs in San Francisco. It is the first time that AVs have been allowed to operate without a safety driver on board in a major U.S. city. The agreement is expected to help to accelerate the development and commercialization of AVs, and it could lead to the widespread deployment of AVs in San Francisco and other cities in the future.

      39 min

    About Ride AI

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    The Ride AI podcast presents cutting-edge insights and meaningful conversations with the world’s top mobility technology leaders so that you learn hard-won lessons of investment and innovation.