[ micromobility ]

Micromobility is a disruptive development in the field of urban transportation, revolutionizing our cities and everyday lives. But what exactly does this term encompass? In short, micromobility refers to a variety of small, eco-friendly, and often electric-powered means of transportation that provide excellent alternatives to conventional vehicles.

The definition of micromobility covers a broad range of vehicles, including e-scooters, e-bikes, e-rollers, segways, and more. These compact and lightweight vehicles are ideal for shorter distances in densely populated areas, offering efficient, cost-effective, and time-saving solutions for daily mobility needs.

Experts predict that the demand for micromobility solutions will continue to rise as more and more people appreciate the benefits of these eco-friendly means of transportation, not only in individual mobility but also in the transportation and logistics sector, particularly in the crucial “last mile” delivery.

The “last mile” plays a vital role not only in urban transportation, where it refers to the short distance from a transportation hub, such as a train station, bus terminal, or subway station, to the final destination, be it an office, university, or home. Many cities worldwide are actively embracing micromobility by creating infrastructures tailored to these small vehicles, reducing traffic congestion, and enhancing the quality of urban life.

Moreover, the “last mile” has become increasingly significant in the transport and logistics sector. It denotes the final stage of the supply chain, where goods are transported from a distribution center or warehouse to the end customers. This step is often the most complex and time-consuming part of the entire delivery process, involving efficient route planning, considering traffic conditions, and ensuring timely deliveries. More and more logistics companies recognize the advantages of integrating micromobility into their delivery fleet. Electric cargo bikes, vans, e-scooters, or other small electric vehicles allow delivery personnel to navigate congested urban streets skillfully, bypass traffic bottlenecks, and reduce delivery times.

However, the shift towards electrified micro-mobility is not only evident in urban areas. The continuously increasing sales figures of e-bikes and pedelecs substantiate the significance of these comfortable and environmentally friendly means of transportation, even in rural areas. Improved technologies and extended battery ranges make them a highly attractive alternative to conventional bicycles and vehicles, particularly for longer distances or steep inclines.

No other area of mobility places such high demands on gear and drive technology as micromobility. Depending on the requirements profile, there is a conflict of interest between the attributes of installation space, weight, power density, efficiency and noise. Reducing weight by slimming down components, for example, can cause vibration and result in greater noise development. In e-bikes, though, this is precisely what has to be avoided, since a smooth ride is paramount for many customers when making a purchasing decision.

Morat Swoboda Motion has already spent years investing in the research areas of plastics and metal to achieve the best possible results in gear development by intelligently pairing the two materials. This results not only in high-precision gearing components, but also in complete drive units.