A German research organization has developed a magnesium-based “Powerpaste” with an energy density ten times more than current battery technology. Hackaday reports: We’ve been promised hydrogen-powered engines for some time now. One downside though is the need for hydrogen vehicles to have heavy high-pressure tanks. While a 700 bar tank and the accompanying fuel cell is acceptable for a city bus…
Tag: scooters
E-Scooters Should Be Legalized, Says UK Transport Committee
E-scooters should be legalized on roads but riding on pavements should be prohibited, the United Kingdom’s Transport Committee of MPs said. The BBC reports: Currently, privately-owned e-scooters are banned to use in the UK anywhere except on private land. The committee argues the vehicles, which usually travel 9-15mph, could offer a green alternative to the car. Official trials of rented e-scooters…
Lossmaking Giant Uber, Hoping To Stay Around For Decades, Says It is Aiming For 100% Zero-Emission Transport by 2040
Uber has announced several new commitments, initiatives, and product expansions designed to address climate change. From a report: In a virtual press event this morning, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi cited the positive impact that the global lockdown has had on the environment, with “blue skies replacing smog above city skylines” and many cities using the pandemic to “rethink their infrastructure.” However,…
Amazon Deletes 20,000 Reviews After Evidence of Profits for Posts
Amazon has deleted approximately 20,000 product reviews, written by seven of its top 10 UK reviewers, following a Financial Times investigation (Editor’s note: the link may be paywalled; alternative source) into suspicious activity. From a report: The FT found evidence the users were profiting from posting thousands of five-star ratings. Those who had their reviews deleted included Justin Fryer, the number…
Lyft Settles With Justice Department Over Disability Lawsuit
Lyft has settled with the Justice Department in a lawsuit alleging the company discriminated against customers with disabilities. Engadget reports: Now, drivers will be required to help fold and stow wheelchairs and walkers for customers. The rideshare company has also been ordered to educate its drivers as well as pay complainants and a $40,000 civil penalty. Lyft will pay various amounts…
ACLU Sues LA Over Controversial Scooter Tracking System
The American Civil Liberties Union sued Los Angeles Monday over the city’s requirement that electric scooter rental companies provide anonymized real-time location data. The Verge reports: The lawsuit centers on the Los Angeles Department of Transportation’s use of a digital tool called the Mobility Data Specification program (MDS), which the agency created as a way to track and regulate electric scooters…
Bird Is Scrapping Thousands of Electric Scooters In the Middle East
Hot on the heels of Uber scrapping thousands of e-bikes and e-scooters, Bird is taking similar action. The micromobility company is reportedly disposing of thousands of e-scooters in the Middle East and shutting down its operations in the majority of the region as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. CNBC reports: The e-scooters being scrapped belong to Circ, which was acquired…
Uber Destroys Thousands of Bikes and Scooters
An anonymous reader quotes a report from the BBC: Uber is destroying thousands of electric bikes and scooters, after selling its Jump business to Lime. Videos of its red bikes being crushed at a recycling centre were shared on social media, angering cycling advocates. Uber said it had decided to destroy thousands of its older-model vehicles due to maintenance, liability and…
‘Abolish Silicon Valley’ Author Urges ‘Expropriating’ Platforms, Making them Open-Source Public Services
The Bay Area Newsgroup just interviewed the author of “Abolish Silicon Valley: How to liberate technology from capitalism”. Q: How do you fix this broken system? A: Overall the goal that I’m thinking about is that you have the private sector so overfunded and glorified that it seems like the only way to do things, but things could be much better…
E-scooters are a disaster for cities – but we must embrace them
Electric scooters are a nightmare. Rented by the minute, they clog up pavements and are an ungainly eyesore, but we still need them, says Donna Lu Source: https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg24532712-800-e-scooters-are-a-disaster-for-cities-but-we-must-embrace-them/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home…