Connect with us

Published

on

I recently had the chance to attend Micromobility Europe 2024, the latest industry tradeshow promoting the proliferation of right-sized personal electric vehicles. For two days, the show took to Amsterdam to showcase many of the newest innovations and companies pushing the envelope on what micromobility vehicles can offer to urban residents.

Here is a smattering of many of the most interesting things I saw (and test rode) while exploring the show.

I’m going to run through these in no particular order, other than how they ended up being downloaded on my hard drive.

And to see even more, make sure you check out my video from the event, below. Then keep reading for all of the details!

Voltaire

This French electric bicycle company was new to me, but I instantly fell in love with their slick designs that invoke a classier, vintage vibe than we’re used to seeing in today’s ultramodern e-bike market.

With belt drives for simplicity and seat tube batteries to avoid a chunkier downtube, the bikes look like they’d make great commuter rides for anyone on the hunt for a more classic vibe.

Veloretti

The show’s European setting was a great chance to get introduced to e-bike companies that I don’t normally get to visit. Veloretti is based in Amsterdam, not far from the show’s venue, and so I got to see their more modern take on Dutch e-bikes firsthand.

I always love seeing a nice mix of old and new, so Veloretti’s Dutch-inspired designs were a refreshing sight. They seem to offer the kind of rider commuters are after, while still drawing on decades of the Netherlands’ rich history of cycling culture.

Cowboy Cross

Belgian e-bike company Cowboy had their newest model at the show, meaning I got to take the Cowboy Cross for a test ride through the surrounding Amsterdam neighborhoods.

With an inverted suspension fork, a suspension seat post, and slightly chunkier tires, the Cowboy Cross is definitely designed to handle rougher roads than a typical commuter bike.

This won’t take you offroading, but it will make those cobblestones and pot holes a lot less noticeable!

Bo

I always love seeing Bo’s electric scooters, as there’s just nothing else like it on the market. The scooter doesn’t fold, which is a rarity in the standing electric scooter world. But that means it’s much more rigid.

The scooter has a design all its own, and that seemed to win favor with the judges as Bo took the prize in this years Startup Awards at the show.

Now if I could just stop hearing the song “I’m Bo, yo!” in my head every time I write the scooter’s name, that’d be grreeeaaat.

Luna Systems

Out of left field was Luna Systems, which uses computer vision to make micromobility vehicles safer.

So far, they’ve mostly worked with commercial clients like scooter-sharing and bike-sharing companies, where their camera systems have helped improve the safety of those vehicles and keep riders accountable by tracking things like sidewalk riding.

But they also just unveiled their first consumer-facing product, the Luna Oculus, which is a camera system for cyclists that can warn you of upcoming close-passing cars that might risk your safety. If you opt-in, you can also share that data so other cyclists in your city can use the compounded data to learn which roads are the most dangerous for cyclists.

Luna is a startup that is funded by EIT Urban Mobility, an EU accelerator that looks for these types of innovative companies, as well as the next company on this list.

AD Knight

Continuing with the theme of using cameras and sensors to better protect vulnerable road users, AD Knight has a suite of software solutions that cities can use to understand and adapt to their growing micromobility ridership.

The company is currently starting a pilot with Peachtree City, Georgia, where intersections will be able to monitor and analyze the amount and type of micromobility users on the road. In the future, those intersections could potentially use AD Knight’s technology to adapt in real time, such as stretching a yellow light a few seconds longer to allow a slower-moving scooter rider to slip through before the signal changes for cross traffic.

Superfast Scooter

This one is a bit wild. These 40 mph (64 km/h) electric scooters are designed to offer motorcycle-like handling yet are intended to fold up so compact that they can fit in a golf bag for traveling.

They even use powertool batteries that are individually small enough to meet airline requirements for flights, yet add up to enough capacity and power for a fast electric scooter like this.

The design in still undergoing changes but the prototype showed what the company thinks is possible.

FLIT

This British folding e-bike makes me think that this is what Brompton should have built, instead of making something that looks like an e-bike conversion kit stuffed into a Brompton.

FLIT’s electric bike was purpose-built as an e-bike, meaning the electronics are integrated. However, it still folds up nearly as small as a Brompton, meaning it’s absolutely tiny.

You definitely need to watch it in action in my video at the top of this article.

Ebike OS

While we’re talking about Bromptons, I should also mention EbikeLabs, which showed off its control software in an electric Brompton at the show.

EbikeLabs doesn’t make any physical hardware, but instead offers impressive control software that can give e-bikes new features like hill hold and progressive regenerative breaking, among several other patents the company holds.

I tested out that regenerative braking, which is activated by pedaling backward like a coaster brake. It worked really well, which is saying something, considering a Brompton’s 16-inch wheel is the worst case scenario for powerful regenerative braking. Imagine that being applied to a larger commuter wheel, and the impact would be impressive.

Hydroride Europe AG

Ever tried a hydrogen-powered bicycle? Neither had I, at least not until I hopped on one of Hydroride Europe AG’s models at the show.

These hydrogen-powered bicycles have an on-board fuel cell that converts hydrogen from a small tank into electricity to power the rear hub motor.

To be honest, the ride didn’t feel that much different from most electric bicycles I’ve tested, which is sort of the point. The fuel may be different, but the ride is just as good.

Now whether or not hydrogen is a viable fuel for bicycles (or any other vehicle) is another question, and I’m not sure I see it taking off for consumers. But Hydroride is targeting commercial customers like bike-sharing companies who want to avoid depots full of charging batteries, so perhaps they’ll find some success on that front. For the rest of us, I don’t think we’ll be running hydrogen generators in our living rooms anytime soon.

Micromobility American show is coming soon!

It was great to see all of these companies and more at Micromobility Europe, and now it has me even more excited for what’s to come at Micromobility America this year.

The show will move to a new location this November, from San Francisco to Los Angeles this year, so make sure you stick around to hear what we find at the show this year. If you’re close to LA, you can still get early bird tickets, too.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Robinhood is up 160% this year, but several obstacles are ahead

Published

on

By

Robinhood is up 160% this year, but several obstacles are ahead

Florida AG opens probe into Robinhood. Here's the latest

Robinhood stock hit an all-time high Friday as the financial services platform continued to rip higher this year, along with bitcoin and other crypto stocks.

Robinhood, up more than 160% in 2025, hit an intraday high above $101 before pulling back and closing slightly lower.

The reversal came after a Bloomberg report that JPMorgan plans to start charging fintechs for access to customer bank data, a move that could raise costs across the industry.

For fintech firms that rely on thin margins to offer free or low-cost services to customers, even slight disruptions to their cost structure can have major ripple effects. PayPal and Affirm both ended the day nearly 6% lower following the report.

Despite its stellar year, the online broker is facing several headwinds, with a regulatory probe in Florida, pushback over new staking fees and growing friction with one of the world’s most high-profile artificial intelligence companies.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier opened a formal investigation into Robinhood Crypto on Thursday, alleging the platform misled users by claiming to offer the lowest-cost crypto trading.

“Robinhood has long claimed to be the best bargain, but we believe those representations were deceptive,” Uthmeier said in a statement.

The probe centers on Robinhood’s use of payment for order flow — a common practice where market makers pay to execute trades — which the AG said can result in worse pricing for customers.

Robinhood Crypto General Counsel Lucas Moskowitz told CNBC its disclosures are “best-in-class” and that it delivers the lowest average cost.

“We disclose pricing information to customers during the lifecycle of a trade that clearly outlines the spread or the fees associated with the transaction, and the revenue Robinhood receives,” added Moskowitz.

Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev explains 'dual purpose' behind trading platform's new crypto offerings

Robinhood is also facing opposition to a new 25% cut of staking rewards for U.S. users, set to begin October 1. In Europe, the platform will take a smaller 15% cut.

Staking allows crypto holders to earn yield by locking up their tokens to help secure blockchain networks like ethereum, but platforms often take a percentage of those rewards as commission.

Robinhood’s 25% cut puts it in line with Coinbase, which charges between 25.25% and 35% depending on the token. The cut is notably higher than Gemini’s flat 15% fee.

It marks a shift for the company, which had previously steered clear of staking amid regulatory uncertainty.

Under President Joe Biden‘s administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission cracked down on U.S. platforms offering staking services, arguing they constituted unregistered securities.

With President Donald Trump in the White House, the agency has reversed course on several crypto enforcement actions, dropping cases against major players like Coinbase and Binance and signaling a more permissive stance.

Even as enforcement actions ease, Robinhood is under fresh scrutiny for its tokenized stock push, which is a growing part of its international strategy.

The company now offers blockchain-based assets in Europe that give users synthetic exposure to private firms like OpenAI and SpaceX through special purpose vehicles, or SPVs.

An SPV is a separate entity that acquires shares in a company. Users then buy tokens of the SPV and don’t have shareholder privileges or voting rights directly in the company.

OpenAI has publicly objected, warning the tokens do not represent real equity and were issued without its approval. In an interview with CNBC International, CEO Vlad Tenev acknowledged the tokens aren’t technically equity shares, but said that misses the broader point.

JPMorgan announces plans to charge for access to customer bank data

“What’s important is that retail customers have an opportunity to get exposure to this asset,” he said, pointing to the disruptive nature of AI and the historically limited access to pre-IPO companies.

“It is true that these are not technically equity,” Tenev added, noting that institutional investors often gain similar exposure through structured financial instruments.

The Bank of Lithuania — Robinhood’s lead regulator in the EU — told CNBC on Monday that it is “awaiting clarifications” following OpenAI’s statement.

“Only after receiving and evaluating this information will we be able to assess the legality and compliance of these specific instruments,” a spokesperson said, adding that information for investors must be “clear, fair, and non-misleading.”

Tenev responded that Robinhood is “happy to continue to answer questions from our regulators,” and said the company built its tokenized stock program to withstand scrutiny.

“Since this is a new thing, regulators are going to want to look at it,” he said. “And we expect to be scrutinized as a large, innovative player in this space.”

SEC Chair Paul Atkins recently called the model “an innovation” on CNBC’s Squawk Box, offering some validation as Robinhood leans further into its synthetic equity strategy — even as legal clarity remains in flux across jurisdictions.

Despite the regulatory noise, many investors remain focused on Robinhood’s upside, and particularly the political tailwinds.

The company is positioning itself as a key beneficiary of Trump’s newly signed megabill, which includes $1,000 government-seeded investment accounts for newborns. Robinhood said it’s already prototyping an app for the ‘Trump Accounts‘ initiative.

WATCH: Watch CNBC’s full interview with Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev

Watch CNBC's full interview with Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev

Continue Reading

Environment

Hyundai and Kia are betting on lower-priced EVs to ride out tariffs

Published

on

By

Hyundai and Kia are betting on lower-priced EVs to ride out tariffs

Korean auto giants Hyundai and Kia think lower-priced EVs will help minimize the blow from the new US auto tariffs. Hyundai is set to unveil a new entry-level electric car soon, which will be sold alongside the Kia EV2. Will it be the IONIQ 2?

Hyundai and Kia shift to lower-priced EVs

Hyundai and Kia already offer some of the most affordable and efficient electric vehicles on the market, with models like the IONIQ 5 and EV6.

In Europe, Korea, Japan, and other overseas markets, Hyundai sells the Inster EV (sold as the Casper Electric in Korea), an electric city car. The Inster EV starts at about $27,000 (€23,900), but Hyundai will soon offer another lower-priced EV, similar to the upcoming Kia EV2.

The Inster EV is seeing strong initial demand in Europe and Japan. According to a local report (via Newsis), demand for the Casper Electric is so high that buyers are waiting over a year for delivery.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Hyundai is doubling down with plans to introduce an even more affordable EV, rumored to be the IONIQ 2. Xavier Martinet, CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, said during a recent interview that “The new electric vehicle will be unveiled in the next few months.”

Hyundai-Kia-lower-priced-EVs
Hyundai Casper Electric/ Inster EV models (Source: Hyundai)

The new EV is expected to be a compact SUV, which will likely resemble the upcoming Kia EV2. Kia will launch the EV2 in Europe and other global regions in 2026.

Hyundai is keeping most details under wraps, but the expected IONIQ 2 is likely to sit below the Kona Electric as a smaller city EV.

Hyundai-Kia-lower-priced-EVs
Kia Concept EV2 (Source: Kia)

More affordable electric cars are on the way

Although nothing is confirmed, it’s expected to be priced at around €30,000 ($35,000), or slightly less than the Kia EV3.

The Kia EV3 starts at €35,990 in Europe and £33,005 in the UK, or about $42,000. Through the first half of the year, Kia’s compact electric SUV is the UK’s most popular EV.

Hyundai-Kia-lower-priced-EVs
Kia EV3 (Source: Kia)

Like the Hyundai IONIQ models and Kia’s other electric vehicles, the EV3 is based on the E-GMP platform. It’s available with two battery packs: 58.3 kWh or 81.48 kWh, providing a WLTP range of up to 430 km (270 miles) and 599 km (375 miles), respectively.

Hyundai is expected to reveal the new EV at the IAA Mobility show in Munich in September. Meanwhile, Kia is working on a smaller electric car to sit below the EV2 that could start at under €25,000 ($30,000).

Hyundai-Kia-lower-priced-EVs
Kia unveils EV4 sedan and hatchback, PV5 electric van, and EV2 Concept at 2025 Kia EV Day (Source: Kia)

According to the report, Hyundai and Kia are doubling down on lower-priced EVs to balance potential losses from the new US auto tariffs.

Despite opening its new EV manufacturing plant in Georgia to boost local production, Hyundai is still expected to expand sales in other regions. An industry insider explained, “Considering the risk of US tariffs, Hyundai’s move to target the European market with small electric vehicles is a natural strategy.”

Hyundai-Kia-lower-priced-EVs
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 (Source: Hyundai)

Although Hyundai is expanding in other markets, it remains a leading EV brand in the US. The IONIQ 5 remains a top-selling EV with over 19,000 units sold through June.

After delivering the first IONIQ 9 models in May, Hyundai reported that over 1,000 models had been sold through the end of June, its three-row electric SUV.

While the $7,500 EV tax credit is still here, Hyundai is offering generous savings with leases for the 2025 IONIQ 5 starting as low as $179 per month. The three-row IONIQ 9 starts at just $419 per month. And Hyundai is even throwing in a free ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger if you buy or lease either model.

Unfortunately, we likely won’t see the entry-level EV2 or IONIQ 2 in the US. However, Kia is set to launch its first electric sedan, the EV4, in early 2026.

Ready to take advantage of the savings while they are still here? You can use our links below to find deals on Hyundai and Kia EV models in your area.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Blink Charging just threw a lifeline to EVBox Everon customers

Published

on

By

Blink Charging just threw a lifeline to EVBox Everon customers

As EVBox shuts down its Everon business across Europe and North America, EV charging provider Blink Charging is stepping up to offer support to customers caught in the transition.

EVBox’s software arm Everon recently announced it’s winding down operations alongside EVBox’s AC charger business. That’s left a lot of charging station hosts and drivers wondering what comes next. Now, EVBox Everon is pointing its customers toward Blink as a recommended alternative.

Blink says it’s ready to help, whether that means keeping existing chargers up and running or replacing aging gear with new Blink chargers.

“EVBox has played a significant role in the growth of EV charging infrastructure across the UK and Mainland Europe, and we recognize the trust hosts have placed in its solutions,” said Alex Calnan, Blink Charging’s managing director of Europe. “With the recent announcement of Everon’s withdrawal from the EV charging market, it’s natural to have questions about what this means for operations. At Blink, we want to assure Everon customers that we are here to help them navigate this transition.”

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Blink says it’s able to offer advice, replacements, and ongoing network management to make the changeover as smooth as possible.

Everon users who switch to Blink will get access to the Blink Network portal via the Blink Charging app. That opens up real-time insight into charger usage and lets hosts set pricing, manage users, and download performance reports.

“At Blink, our charging technology is future-ready,” added Calnan. “With advancements like vehicle-to-grid technology on the horizon, our chargers are built to support the future of electric vehicles and charging habits.”

The company says its chargers are in stock and ready to ship now for any Everon customers looking to make the jump.

In October 2024, France’s Engie announced it would liquidate the entire EVBox group, which it said posted total losses of €800 million since Engie took over in 2017. EVBox is closing its operations in the Netherlands, Germany, and the US.


The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Trending