Transformable Cargo E-scooter From Singapore Gains Overseas Recognition Despite Country’s Ban on E-scooters On Footpaths
The cargo e-scooter MIMO C1 has gained numerous interests from various parts of the world, especially from United Kingdom and Germany. As an acknowledgement of its exceptional potential, it was awarded the winner of The Movin’On Start Up Challenge 2020 by Michelin in Montreal for its impact on sustainable mobility in “Global warming and Air Pollution” and “Global Transport Efficiency”.
Left: MOVIN’ON Summit 2019 in Montreal. Right: MIMO Motor meeting the fellow winners of the webinar 2020
More recently, MIMO C1 has been awarded the Efficient Solutions label in September 2020 by the Solar Impulse Foundation. It is now verified as a micro-mobility innovation that promotes environmental sustainability, and one that generates economic incentive for consumers.
Seeking opportunities overseas
MIMO Motor partnered with Grab and Roadbull in 2019 to carry out a pilot project for its MIMO C1 e-scooter. Riders reflected what they liked the most about MIMO C1 was that they could enter the malls without the hassle of having to find parking lots. Subsequently, Grab expressed interest in using MIMO C1 though collaboration plans were shelved after the legislation kicked in.
Despite the legal constraints faced in Singapore, MIMO Motor has continuously been innovating on ways to venture overseas as it strongly believes that eco-friendly transportation is a global phenomenon and that micro-mobility should be accessible to people around the world. Singapore’s startup has invented the world’s first transformable cargo e-scooter that enhances the operations of the logistics network, specifically for the last-mile delivery in urban cities such as Tokyo, London, New York and Munich. The cargo e-scooter MIMO C1 was unveiled during the International Cargo Bike Festival 2020.
Growing demand for light cargo electric vehicles in the e-commerce sector
With the rising popularity of e-commerce, logistics operations and food delivery services have negatively impacted congestion and urban environmental quality. According to MDS Transmodal Limited, vehicles of logistics operations account for between 8 and 18% of urban traffic flows and they decrease road capacities by 30% due to pick-up and deliveries. In terms of its environmental impact, urban logistics vehicles are responsible for about 20% of CO2 emissions in cities. In light of the greater awareness of excessive vehicular emissions and traffic congestion in urban areas, many countries have been pushing for a greater adoption of electric vehicles. Electric vehicles (EVs) are potentially catalysts for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and a smarter mode of transportation.
Increase of e-commerce in South East Asia. Source: https://techcrunch.com/2018/11/18/google-report-southeast-asias-digital-economy-to-triple-to-240-billion-by-2025/
Negotiate New York’s traffic on the Citi Bike
Meanwhile in the US, New York City has recently legalised electric bikes and scooters in the city’s 5 boroughs and a pilot program is scheduled to start by May 2021. This has brought about great relief for food delivery riders as they are no longer subjected to fines when riding on their electric vehicles.
Demand for Food Delivery boomed during pandemic
The market for e-scooters used for food delivery services in recent times has also been expanding rapidly. Lockdown measures worldwide to curb the spread of COVID-19 have led to a burgeoning demand for food delivery. In London, food delivery company Deliveroo, has been providing its riders with e-scooters for their deliveries, instead of traditional scooters or motorcycles. According to Deliveroo’s managing director Dan Warne, Deliveroo aspires to achieve sustainability alongside the great food they offer. By using e-scooters for their deliveries, this helps to save cost in the long run and more importantly, reduce air and noise pollution. Hence, there is certainly potential for the use electric vehicles in food delivery services to be expanded across UK and beyond.
Urban Logistics Delivery
In Italy, e-scooters are utilised widely for e-commerce logistics. It was found that 19–48% of the mileage of courier logistics done by combustion engine vehicles could be replaced by electric cargo vehicles. A large courier company, TNT Global Express (TNT) has been using e-scooters for delivering letters and small parcels in the city centre of Genoa. As compared to traditional motorised scooters, CO2 emissions and energy costs savings have been significant- 1.7 kg CO2 and 1.4 €/day for each scooter respectively.
Join us in our vision to move the world with lesser carbon footprint
With the ability to fold into a trolley in 3 seconds to simplify the delivery process, MIMO C1 can help industries to deliver their goods more efficiently. Also, the compact structure of MIMO C1 allows for additional security since it can be brought around by users at all times.
Samples are being tested in London and Tokyo. MIMO Motor is planning to accept more pre-orders on a major crowdfunding platform in December 2020. Those whom are interested can sign up for early bird announcement for great discounts at https://www.mimomotor.com
If you would like to journey alongside MIMO Motor and be a part of environmentally-friendly transportation alternatives, look no further.
Written by Kellina Loo
All photographs taken by MIMO Motor unless otherwise stated