This week in the world of micromobility, Harley-Davidson has announced that its latest e-bikes will now be using Google Cloud technology, a move which will see its e-bikes benefit from the tech giant’s vast computing resources. The move comes as Harley-Davidson continues to develop its popular line of beautifully-designed electric bicycles.
Elsewhere, the news continues of a new pilot program in the UK where electric bike loaners will be made available to riders for up to three months. Also, electric scooters continue to be legal rides in Cincinnati and Massachusetts sets out to enact a program providing financial incentives to e-bike purchasers.
And now for this week’s top personal EV news stories, brought to you by Recharged Rides:
Harley-Davidson Serial 1 E-BIkes Get Google Cloud Upgrade
The well-received Harley-Davidson Serial 1 e-bikes have just gotten a significant software upgrade, thanks to newly-announced Google Cloud integration. This integration is one of the first among personal EV companies, and it will result in some impressive new software functionality and more reliable connectivity — news that will surely please riders of the motorcycle behemoth’s handsome range of electric bicycles.
Among the enhanced functionality that Serial 1 riders will now enjoy, is trip tracking, upgraded security features, and top-shelf navigation functionality that will include the ability to identify routes with bike lanes (nice!).
In terms of connectivity, this move will allow the rider’s phone to be connected to their e-bike via GPS, cellular, and Bluetooth technology, resulting in a more robust, reliable connection.
Originally spun off in late 2020, Harley-Davidson’s Serial 1 range currently features 3 impressive models:
- RUSH/CTY SPEED ($5,599 MSRP) — 28 mph top speed, 115-mile range, 706Wh removable battery, Brose TF Mag mid-drive motor producing 90Nm of torque
- RUSH/CTY STEP-THRU ($4,999 MSRP) — 20 mph top speed, 90-mile max range, 529Wh integrated battery, Brose S Mag mid-drive motor
- MOSH/CTY ($3,799 MSRP) — 20 mph top speed, 529Wh battery, 105 max range, Brose S Mag mid-drive motor
Harley-Davidson includes a 24-month warranty with all of the Serial 1 models and extends a 14-day return policy to its customers for added peace of mind.
Free E-Bike Loaners in New UK Pilot-Program
Cycling UK announces the launch of the ‘Cycling Made E-asy’ pilot, an £8million program that will provide free electric bicycle loaners to communities across the UK.
The program is being provided by the Department of Transport with support from a host of industry partners, including Raleigh Bikes, Bikeworks, Evans Cycles, Specialized, Cycling Projects, Modeshift, Bicycle Association and more.
The goal of the initiative is to encourage the uptake of electric bicycles as a great way to get around and provide a low impact form of exercise. Widespread adoption of electric bicycles as a viable form of transportation will also lead to many other benefits, including reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality.
This program will initially be available in five locations across the UK, and Cycling UK will provide free e-bike loaners for up to three months to riders.
Cinncinnati City Council: No Ban on Electric Scooters
The City Council of Cincinnati recently voted against a proposed ban on electric scooters, which was requested by some concerned citizens as they are working to improve the streets and make them more friendly for scooter riders and cyclists.
The council voted to continue to allow the Bird and Lime Bike to operate electric scooters in the city, but asked city transportation officials to upgrade streets and make them more friendly for electric scooter riders and cyclists.
The ban was requested by some concerned citizens after several incidents of collisions in the city as a result of poor electric scooter rider safety.
While banning electric scooters was decided against, new rules regulating their usage were announced, including a ban from riding on sidewalks and in Riverfront, Over-the-Rhine, and Downtown parks. E-scooter speed was also capped at 15 mph.
Massachusetts Working on E-Bike Financial Incentive Program
Just announced, is Massachusetts’ aim to introduce a new program that’s designed to incentivize electric bike purchases through 2025. The news comes as the state attempts to reduce the total number of vehicles on the road and transition commuters to greener forms of transit, such as walking and cycling.
Electric bikes are also included in a proposed infrastructure bond bill which would earmark $150 million for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) EV incentive initiatives.