Electric mobility

Why your bike, scooter, and massive longboard are holding you back.We’ve all seen them. The guy struggling to shove a full-sized bicycle onto a crowded 8:00 AM subway car. The girl trying to look cool while wrestling a 40lb electric scooter through a revolving door. The "tech bro" carrying a 3-foot longboard that accidentally whacks everyone in the elevator.Commuting shouldn't be a contact sport.If you are looking for the ultimate way to crush your commute, you have options. But when you break it down, there is only one clear winner. Let’s throw the contenders in the ring and see how they stack up against the Linky Board.Round 1: Linky vs. The Electric ScooterThe Scooter: Sure, they are everywhere. But let’s be honest—they are clunky. Renting them adds up fast, and owning one? Good luck finding a place to stash that awkward, heavy stem under your desk. Plus, tiny hard wheels make every sidewalk crack feel like a crater. The Vibe: "I might be a tourist." The Problem: Heavy, hard to carry, and theft-prone if locked outside. The Linky: You get the speed and the electric power, but with style. Linky’s massive wheels handle bumps better than most scooters, and the ride feel is pure flow, not just "standing still while moving." The Win: When you arrive, you don't park it. You fold it, bag it, and walk in like a boss. No locks, no theft anxiety. Round 2: Linky vs. The E-BikeThe Bike: E-bikes are great... if you have a garage, a massive bike lock, and zero stairs to climb. But for the urban apartment dweller? They are a nightmare. Trying to bring a bike onto a train or bus usually results in dirty looks from fellow commuters, and leaving a $2,000 bike locked on the street is a gamble we aren't willing to take. The Vibe: "I hope my bike is still there when I get back." The Problem: Storage, maintenance, and the "sweat factor" (unless you go full electric). The Linky: Linky gives you that open-air freedom without the bulk. It lives in your backpack, not on the street. You can take it on the bus, the train, or an Uber without a second thought. The Win: Total multimodal freedom. Train delayed? Unfold and ride. Raining? Fold and Uber. You are never stuck. Round 3: Linky vs. The Standard Electric LongboardThe Longboard: We love skating. But carrying a rigid, 40-inch plank of wood through a crowded coffee shop or airport terminal is awkward. It hits doorframes, it hits kneecaps, and it screams "bulky gear." Most high-performance boards are also too powerful to fly with, grounding your gear when you travel. The Vibe: "Sorry! Did I hit you with my grip tape?" The Problem: It’s a burden the second you stop riding. The Linky: It’s the only performance board that shrinks. Our patented folding system transforms a high-speed vehicle into a compact package that fits in a tote bag. Plus, with our air-safe battery technology, Linky is one of the only electric boards you can legally fly with. The Win: The world is small again. New York to LA? London to Milan? Your board comes with you in the overhead bin. The Verdict?Bicycles are for garages. Scooters are for rentals. Rigid boards are for the boardwalk.Linky is for Life.It’s the only vehicle designed to adapt to you, not the other way around. Stop wrestling with your commute and start enjoying the ride.Ditch the bulk. Join the fold.

Dear Rider,We’re so excited to give you an update on Linky 2.0! Over the past month, our team has been hard at work, perfecting every detail of your soon-to-be favorite ride. From extensive testing to final production touches, we’re thrilled with how everything is coming together – and we know you will be too.Here’s what’s been happening behind the scenes:1600 km Test Completed: we pushed Linky 2.0 to its limits with an intense 1600 km (1000 miles) test on a single powertrain, putting it through extreme conditions – and it came out on top! The performance is beyond our expectations, proving its reliability in even the toughest environments.Final Firmware & App Testing: we’re in the last phase of testing for the firmware and mobile app. So far, we’ve seen excellent improvements in power, uphill performance, and braking.Battery & Motor Production: battery production is complete, and the motors are now undergoing quality checks to ensure they meet our high standards. You can trust that every part of your Linky 2.0 is built for superior performance.Redesigned Backpack Prototype: we’re excited to share that our all-new redesigned backpack is now in the prototyping phase. Full production is set to start by the end of this month, ensuring you’ll have a sleek, functional accessory to carry your Linky 2.0 anywhere.Fine-Tuned Trucks, Deck, & Folding System: we’ve fine-tuned the trucks, rear deck, and folding system to make your Linky 2.0 even more responsive, durable, and easy to carry. Every detail has been re-engineered for a smoother and more enjoyable experience.We’re making incredible progress, and we can’t wait for you to experience the new and improved Linky 2.0! If you’ve been holding off, now’s the perfect time to look forward to your future ride.Thank you for being part of the Linky community and trusting us to deliver a product you’ll love.Stay tuned for more updates coming your way soon!The Linky TeamP.S. If you haven’t secured your Linky 2.0 yet, there’s still time! Get you Linky for 25% off on Indiegogo.

Riding an electric skateboard like Linky 2.0 offers a unique commuting experience that sets it apart from e-bikes and e-scooters. A number of scientific studies document the benefits of skateboarding for the development and maintenance of motor skills related to balance and coordination. Skateboarding also enhances mood through the release of endorphins and fosters social relationships by encouraging personal interaction, thus contributing to overall health. For more details, refer to the Beyond the Board blog and Borden and Brown (2019)Why riding an e-skate is better than riding an e-bike or e-scooter?While biking to the office can be more practical, riding an electric skateboard is definitely more fun. One of the key differences with bikes and scooters is that your hands are free, allowing you to balance your body naturally and carry small objects. This creates a feeling of liberation, as you're not tied to handlebars, and your body moves intuitively with the board, almost as if it becomes an extension of you.There is a seamless integration between the rider’s posture and the skateboard’s movements. Each subtle shift in body weight and balance can direct the board, creating a sense of fluidity and harmony with the environment. The experience becomes akin to surfing or snowboarding—activities where the rider’s body and the terrain are in constant, dynamic interaction. This flexibility offers an almost meditative state of awareness, where the rider feels each vibration and turn, responding with natural movements rather than being forced into rigid, predetermined actions.Emotional Resilience Research has shown that skateboarding can offer numerous mental health benefits, particularly in terms of stress reduction. One study highlighted that skateboarding promotes emotional resilience and helps individuals cope with anxiety and stress. The physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers, and requires concentration and focus, providing a form of mindfulness that distracts from stressors​ (skateboard Session ) ​(Scottish Distance Skateboarding).Sense of Community Another research from the University of California revealed that skateboarding fosters a sense of community, which supports mental well-being by reducing feelings of isolation and promoting social interaction. This can be especially beneficial for young people who may struggle with mental health issues, providing both a coping mechanism and a space for self-expression (DOSE Skateboarding).Flow StateAdditionally, skateboarding allows individuals to engage in the "flow state"—a psychological concept where participants become fully immersed in an activity. This state can help reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being by allowing individuals to focus entirely on the present moment ​(Scottish Distance Skateboarding).Why Linky is more FUN than other Electric Skateboards?Linky as many electric skateboard has been designed to be a real vehicle. This implies stability and reliability at lower and higher speeds. Usually to have a stable ride over 25kmh it is necessary to have a rigid bushing system and this can hinder the manoeuvrability of the board at low speed as well as the capacity to change direction quickly while carving.Linky's trucks have been internally designed by our team of engineers to be larger than conventional trucks. This allows for an optimized balance between stability and the ability to make tighter turns at lower speeds, providing a smooth and controlled ride without compromising safety.Linky's innovative design, with its thinner center, creates almost independent flexibility between the front and rear sections of the deck. This separation enhances control at higher speeds by allowing each part of the board to respond differently to road conditions and rider inputs. The rear deck functions almost like a steering wheel, providing the ability to carve and make sharper turns, while the front deck focuses on maintaining the direction and stability. This design allows riders to engage the rear deck for precise turns and responsive carving without compromising the stability typically needed for high-speed cruising, delivering a smooth, controlled rideLinky's wheels are designed with a rounded shape in cross-section, as opposed to the flat profile found on many electric skateboards. This design mirrors the concept used in motorbike tires, where the rounded shape allows for more dynamic and fluid carving. Instead of the wheel contacting the ground along a flat surface, it touches at a single point, which reduces friction and allows for smoother, more controlled turns. This design provides a more agile and responsive ride, enhancing the carving experience by giving riders a sensation of gliding, similar to how a motorbike handles curves on the road. Additionally, the reduced friction from the point contact helps improve overall efficiency and responsiveness, making Linky ideal for both casual commuting and more technical riding.In conclusion, riding a Linky goes beyond just getting from point A to point B. Its unique design not only catches the attention of onlookers but also invites curiosity and conversation. The balance between stability and flexibility, paired with its compact form provides a secure yet dynamic riding experience. Whether carving sharp turns or cruising at higher speeds, Linky offers riders a sense of freedom and fluidity, turning commuting into a personal and expressive journey that connects them with both the road and the people they encounter.

In the quest for more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation options, electric skateboards emerge as an intriguing alternative to traditional vehicles, even when compared to electric cars like the Tesla Model 3. The stark contrast in energy consumption between these two modes of transport highlights a broader discussion on the eco-friendliness of our daily commute choices.Electric skateboards, which have gained popularity for their convenience and minimalistic design, consume approximately 15 to 20 watt-hours per kilometer (Wh/km). In contrast, the Tesla Model 3, a beacon of electric vehicle efficiency and performance, requires about 200 Wh/km. This tenfold difference in energy usage per kilometer traveled sheds light on the potential environmental impact of our commute choices.Considering the average daily commute length of about 7 kilometers, the advantages of electric skateboards become even more pronounced. Over this distance, an electric skateboard would consume between 105 to 140 Wh, while a Tesla Model 3 would require around 1,400 Wh. This significant disparity not only has implications for energy consumption but also for the broader environmental footprint associated with each mode of transportation.The Sustainability AspectThe sustainability of electric skateboards extends beyond their low energy consumption. Their compact size and lightweight design mean that they require fewer materials to manufacture, contributing to a lower overall environmental impact. Furthermore, the simplicity of electric skateboards translates to fewer moving parts, which can reduce the need for frequent replacements or repairs, further enhancing their sustainability.Urban Mobility and CongestionElectric skateboards also offer solutions to common urban challenges, such as traffic congestion and parking. Their small footprint allows riders to navigate through traffic more easily and requires significantly less parking space than cars. This not only makes commutes faster and more efficient but also contributes to reducing overall traffic congestion, leading to lower emissions from idling vehicles.The Case for Electric SkateboardsWhile electric cars like the Tesla Model 3 play a crucial role in transitioning away from fossil fuels, electric skateboards represent a complementary solution for short-distance travel. By choosing electric skateboards for our daily commutes, we can significantly reduce our energy consumption and environmental impact.This does not diminish the value of electric vehicles; instead, it highlights the importance of having a diverse range of eco-friendly transportation options to meet different needs and preferences. The choice between an electric skateboard and an electric car may come down to specific factors such as distance, cargo capacity, and personal comfort, but the environmental benefits of opting for the most energy-efficient mode of transport when possible are clear.ConclusionAs we continue to seek sustainable solutions to reduce our carbon footprint, the comparison between electric skateboards and Tesla Model 3 vehicles offers valuable insights into the impact of our transportation choices. By embracing more energy-efficient modes of transport for shorter commutes, we can make a significant contribution to environmental conservation and the fight against climate change.Electric skateboards, with their low energy consumption and minimal environmental impact, represent a step towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

An electric skateboard motor uses electromagnets to create rotation and movement. The motor has two main parts – the stationary stator and the rotor, which spins. The stator has coiled electromagnets powered by the battery. The rotor has magnets attached to the central shaft. So, in short, the motor uses magnetic forces to convert electricity into rotational motion. This innovative use of magnets allows electric skateboards to drive themselves without pushing!Stator and Rotor – The Heart of the MotorThe heart of the electric skateboard motor is the stator and rotor. The stator consists of stacked electromagnetic coils surrounding a central cavity. When electricity from the battery enters the engine, it energizes these coils to become electromagnets.Inside the stator’s cavity spins the rotor, a series of electromagnetic coils. The rotor is mounted on a shaft that exits the motor to transfer power to the wheels.The key to generating continuous rotation is the interacting magnetic fields between the stationary stator and the rotating rotor. As alternating current alternates the polarity of the stator electromagnets, it creates a pushing and pulling effect on the rotor magnets, causing the rotor to spin in a fixed direction.What are Brushless DC MotorsBrushless motors are more efficient than traditional brushed motors, which use a brushless motor to power its wheels, allowing for greater control over the speed and direction of the skateboard.Many electric skateboards now use brushless motors, becoming increasingly popular due to their many benefits.A brushless motor eboard requires battery power, a controller, and a motor as its main part. A battery powers the motor, and the board is controlled by remote control or by a rider's weight shifts.With the brushed motor, rotation is achieved by controlling the magnetic fields generated by the coils on the rotor, while the magnetic field generated by the stationary magnets remains fixed. To change the rotation speed, you change the voltage for the coils. With a BLDC motor, it is the permanent magnet that rotates; rotation is achieved by changing the direction of the magnetic fields generated by the surrounding stationary coils. To control the rotation, you adjust the magnitude and direction of the current into these coils.BLDC motors offer high durability and low electric noise generation, thanks to the lack of brushes. With brushed motors, the brushes and commutator wear down as a result of continuous moving contact and also produce sparks where contact is made. Electrical noise, in particular, is the result of the strong sparks that tend to occur at the areas where the brushes pass over the gaps in the commutator. This is why BLDC motors are often considered preferable in applications where it is important to avoid electrical noise.How To Choose A Electric Skateboard Motor: hub – direct drive –belt driveRegular electric skateboard users are probably tilted to a section of the divide and would stick out their necks for a particular type of electric motor or drive. However, if you are yet to take sides on what the best motors for skateboards are, we will clarify for you.Hub drive motorHub motors can be found everywhere. There is no gainsaying that hub motors are a darling to the skate community because of their relatively less expensive parts and their clean and simple implementation. They are quiet, stealthy, and consequently, appeal to most people.That said, they do not come without cons of their own. They have a poor shock absorption system making for reduced comfort during a ride. They also do not have as much braking or torque power at the same power input levels.Added to that, Hub drive board types in general usually experience a higher failure rate than their belt drive counterparts.Direct drive motorThe direct drive train is one a lot of individuals are looking to jump on, however, there still exists a lot of misconceptions about what they are. Direct drives are systems where a full motor directly drives a full wheel.In the past, hub drive and belt drive motors have all been marketed as direct drives, but they are quite a distance from how direct drives operate or what they are in essence.Though the direct drive might seem like the dream electric skateboard motor and the best of the other two discussed above, it does have its disadvantages too. In a direct drive system, the motor isn’t shielded and sits right next to the wheel. Because its motor isn’t shielded, the ground clearance is affected, and the motor is most likely to be severely battered on bad roads.In general, the direct drive is still a new and unproven technology and cannot be recommended for use based on that premise. Added to it is that there are suspicions of a reduction in torque when used.Belt Drive MotorBelt Drive motors are the most traditional drivetrain. They utilize an externally mounted motor with a gear-like pulley and belt to create a gear reduction on the motor before transferring power to the wheels as opposed to hub motors with the center of their wheels replaced by a motor.While most loyalists of the belt drives would use nothing other than what they are used to, neutral minds have a few concerns about them, one of which is the noise they produce. They also need regular maintenance and have limited free-rolling ability.Since the belt drives motor harbors a significant amount of resistance in its system - which makes it harder to kick-push – owing to the presence of pulleys, it is easy to see why they limit free rolling.For skateboard users who aren’t mechanically inclined or have a thing for machines and how they operate, maintenance such as belt change due to wear and tear belt alignment and belt-tensioning could be a tough nut to crackWhile redesigning the new Linky 2.0 we took into consideration the possibility of changing the motor system into a hub motor. But we chose to go again with a Belt drive, for the following reasons: Belt drives deliver better torque than hub drive motors even for the same price. They also give room for full longboard wheels as opposed to thin PU sleeves in Hub motors. This, in turn, allows for a wider selection of wheels to swap and choose from. Belt drives are lighter than hub drive motors. Can we use an electric skateboard as a regular skateboard if we remove the motor from it?Yes, it is possible to use an electric skateboard as a regular skateboard if you remove the motor from it. The main difference between electric and regular skateboards is the addition of an electric motor and battery that provide propulsion. By removing these components, the electric skateboard essentially becomes a regular skateboard.However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, electric skateboards often have larger wheels and a wider deck to accommodate the motor and battery. As a result, the skateboard may feel different when riding without these components. Second, the weight distribution of the skateboard may also be different without the motor and battery, which could affect the way it handles and turns.Overall, while it is possible to use an electric skateboard as a regular skateboard after removing the motor and battery, it may feel different and require some adjustment. Additionally, it's important to ensure that the skateboard is structurally sound and safe to ride before removing any components.Additional Motor FeaturesElectric skateboard motors incorporate several other engineering elements to optimize functionality: Gearing ratios – Higher ratios prioritize torque over speed and vice versa. Sensored vs. sensorless – Sensored motors use sensors for precision position tracking to enhance low-speed control. Regenerative braking – Motors can charge the battery by harnessing energy while braking. These features allow fine-tuning the motor’s power delivery and braking for specific riding purposes.Electric skateboard motors represent an innovative use of electromagnetic principles to power a new era of compact transportation.By coordinating the interaction of stator and rotor magnets, these motors can propel riders at up to 25mph.Key components like the speed controller and precise motor placement enable performance tuning and handling improvements. While deceivingly simple on the outside, electric skateboard motors utilize advanced inner engineering to drive the wheels of these game-changing boards.Understanding the inner workings of these motors opens up possibilities for further innovation and refinement. Enjoy the ride :-)

“An energy cannot be lost, it can only be transformed.” In traditional braking i.e. Friction Braking System, the energy is transformed into heat energy.Regenerative braking plays a very important role in electric skateboards. It’s an ‘energy recovery system’ that creates electricity from the vehicle’s kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat from the brakes. The electricity produced would then be used to recharge the battery. In simple terms, normal braking uses friction, with the brake calipers pressing on the disks. This process produces kinetic energy which would be lost.This is such a useful and convenient trick. Just think of how often you’re stopping and starting in a city environment. In this situation, an electric skateboard can recover lots of energy, reducing energy consumption drastically.HOW EXACTLY DOES ENERGY RECOVERY WORK?Without getting too technical, energy recovery occurs by inverting your electric motor’s method of operation. When you’re driving, the engine uses the energy contained in the battery to move the wheels. However, when decelerating or braking, the motor acts as a generator, transforming the kinetic energy that would be lost as heat, into electricity.An electric motor contains two key components: the stator and the rotor. The stator is the stationary part and contains a type of frame that has wires coiled around it. Electric current circulates within this frame. So it creates a magnetic field that rotates.The rotor, instead, is the mobile part of the motor. This is inserted into the stator and is also equipped with wires or magnetic that create a magnetic field. The interaction between the two magnetic fields makes the rotor move. Since it’s attached to the transmission, it provides the torque required to make the wheels turn.When a vehicle brakes or decelerates, the electric motor works the opposite way, transforming it into a sort of generator. So, instead of consuming energy, it produces it. As we said, the current produced is then used to recharge the accumulator.Thanks to regenerative braking, you’re not just slowing the electric skateboard down, you’re also charging the battery.THE ADVANTAGES OF REGENERATIVE BRAKINGSince the traditional brakes would be used less, they’ll suffer less wear and tear.Through the remote, you can "play" with the level of regenerative braking. In this way, in addition to managing the intensity of energy recovery, you can also adjust the "force" with which the skateboard decelerates.By properly using energy recovery, the range of the electric skateboard can be improved. It is good to know that if the battery is 100% charged or if the accumulator has not reached optimal operating temperature (this is especially the case in winter), regenerative braking may not be as effective. It is important to remember this, although over time you gradually learn to handle it in all conditions.Regenerative Braking and Sustainable DevelopmentAs we all know, to control global warming almost all of the countries in the world are working on climate and sustainable development. Regenerative braking is one of the “R” of 3Rs of the sustainable development initiative. Here “R” stands solely for reuse and recreation of the available sources.  In regenerative braking, the energy is reused by the battery and recharges the cells of the battery. In this way, whenever the rider brakes, the battery gets recharged. Hence regenerative braking system contributes clearly to the sustainability of the products.Whenever you plan to buy an electric skateboard, prefer the one that comes with regenerative braking. Because the regenerative braking system has changed the concept of electric skateboarding and its complications. 

"With electric means handing over to China. Forcing the whole continent to switch only to electric with no other solutions means handing over the economy to China and therefore with the Portuguese, Slovak, Romanian and Czech ministers we count on being majority to say that the ecological transition is fundamental but cannot be done with impositions, obligations and bans." On February 28, Matteo Salvini, the deputy prime minister and minister of Transport and Infrastructure, said this about the transition to electric cars. A few days later, on March 3, the EU Council postponed a vote on new vehicle emission standards, i.e., the rules under which only zero-emission vehicles can be registered in the European Union after 2035.The vote was considered a formality since the regulation had already been agreed upon with the European Parliament and Commission. The postponement now risks jeopardizing the achievement of Europe's target to combat climate change, to zero net CO2 emissions by 2050.The Swedish presidency of the EU Council has decided to postpone until a later date the vote for final approval on the vehicle emission legislation. This is highly unusual, because, by this point in the legislative process, the regulation had already been approved by the council and parliament. Thus the states that make up the parliament had already given the green light to the legislation in question. The second passage through the council is usually considered a formality.In this article, we will try to shed some light on what happened ;-)What was the legislation about?The legislation sets standards on CO2 from vehicles for sale in the EU, a limit that the European Union periodically sets by lowering the threshold of allowable emissions from time to time. What is new in this case is that the threshold is being raised to zero, meaning that after 2035 a vehicle must not emit a single gram of CO2 to be registered. This means that only electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles will be allowed, and it would also mark the end of the combustion engine as we know it now.Why did Germany decide to back out at the last moment?Germany already during the negotiation phase had expressed its desire that combustion vehicles could continue to be registered as long as they were powered by synthetic fuel, also called e-fuel, which is made from carbon dioxide captured from the atmosphere and hydrogen obtained from renewable sources, and therefore have net zero emissions because the co2 that is emitted is that which was removed from the atmosphere previously. The legislation does not provide for this possibility. Germany's Minister of Transport and Digital Volker Wissing, who belongs to the Liberal Democrats (Fdp), decided to go toe-to-toe, taking advantage of the fact that Italy, Poland, and Bulgaria had already spoken out against it, and thus achieving the possibility of blowing up the qualified majority needed to pass the legislation. The council rather than go against a defeat decided to postpone the vote.So would these synthetic fuels allow old cars to be used? But are they really viable alternatives?According to many experts, no, it is not so sustainable, because even though the emissions are zero, the efficiency of these engines is much lower than that of electric motors. To travel the same amount of miles, a synthetic-fueled car consumes 5-6 times more energy than an electric car, considering all the processes it takes to produce synthetic fuels. Moreover, these fuels are still extremely scarce; there are very few, experimental plants producing them, and there are no expectations that they will reach a sufficient production threshold by 2035. Only 2% of the need could be reached. What are e-fuels, and can they help make cars CO2-free?#ghgemissions #ghgemissionsreduction #co2gas #cfcgas #co2emitting #internalcombustionengine #europeanunionlaw #fossilfuel #fossilefuels #co2emissions #co2emission #electricalvehicle #co2free #efuel #efuels #efuelsforfuture pic.twitter.com/gP3vjviR23 — Prep ON (@on_prep) March 11, 2023 E-fuels are considered a transitional technology that can help the decarbonization of some sectors such as heavy transport and aviation. But being so scarce, if they were used for private cars they would no longer be available for these other sectors.But why then is Germany asking to keep the old cars using such an expensive and not sustainable fuel that is not widely available?At first glance, one might think that the reason is the pressure from the automobile industry. In reality, automakers, including Germans, have already concluded that synthetic fuels are not the future and have set their sights firmly on electric cars. Most automakers have already declared that by 2030 they will sell only electric cars in Europe regardless of current regulations.It is true that there are some companies such as Porsche and Bosch that have spoken out against the ban and hope to focus on synthetic fuels to maintain their current business, but they are a small minority compared to the total.The real reason seems to be the political difficulties of the Liberal Democratic party, which has lost many supporters in the last elections (and which governs together with the Social Democrats and the Greens) as well as minority partners, the one that is less attuned to coalition allies and has often found itself marginalized on the issue of energy traction. The Liberal Democratic Party by raising its voice and gaining visibility on this issue hopes to make inroads with Germans who view the abandonment of combustion engines with skepticism, and who are the vast majority of Germans, according to the latest polls 68% of the population, a huge electoral pool from which to fish.Now that the European Union has postponed the vote, what will happen? How might the European transition path to the electric car resume?In order to change the legislation and satisfy Germany, the legislative process of the legislation would have to be reopened, and this could open the door to major complications and would greatly lengthen the time. The hope is that a formal commitment from the commission not included in the regulation to consider allowing the sale of synthetic fuel vehicles might be enough. It has to be seen whether this will be enough to allow the Liberal Democratic Party to claim victory or whether it will decide to go to confrontation, which would mean carrying the adoption of this law indefinitely and abandoning it in its current form.Those who oppose affirm that the conversion to electric will have huge costs in terms of jobs and could be a huge blow to the European economy, is that so?Yes without a doubt it is, since the European automotive industry employs about 13 million people. There is no doubt that the shift to electric will disrupt the whole industry, it will nullify the competitive technological advantage accumulated over the years, and expose Europe to competition from China, which is far ahead in the development of the electric industry. In addition, electric cars are simpler to build because the electric motor is less complex than the combustion engine. According to the head of Ford, it would take 40 percent less work to build an electric car than a combustion car.So, it is true that this shift may bring a net job loss that may be very large, but these jobs will be lost equally in the future, the shift to electric and the abandonment of combustion will be inevitable sooner or later. The longer one waits, the more substantial the advantage of China and other countries over Europe becomes.The solution is to consider this breakthrough not just for the automotive sector but to write it into an overall transition to a European circular economy that also includes other related industries such as batteries, materials recycling, and such as that of an infrastructure that supports this whole apparatus of sustainable mobility. And in this can be found the possibilities of offsetting the loss of jobs, creating new ones that are even more secure in the future.

"Among the new urban models being proposed to reconcile the new faces of mobility, the one theorized by Swiss urban planner Lydia Bonanomi is making a buzz. The idea behind that model is to reduce the speed of vehicular traffic to 30 km/h in urban centers."A transformation -much discussed- that would "reduce air noise pollution, decrease fuel consumption, increase safety on the roads, and recover land and quality of public space.The logic of a 'City 30' is opposed to the current car-centric model that involves, on average in Italy, the occupation of 80 percent of public space and that for 40 percent of cases involves trips of less than 4 km."The basic principle of the initiative revolves around the idea that urban livability and quality of life derive from public spaces. These, however, are referred to as plazas, parks, and streets, which means that the interaction between car and pedestrian traffic is a key factor.Low-speed zones, consequently, are an excellent tool for managing this interaction, with numerous examples in the EU. Studies have shown that they reduce noise pollution, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide, and decrease the risk of fatal injuries.Berlin adopted this policy in 2017. Initially, this caused traffic congestion, as well as spillover onto adjacent smaller roads and longer times for public transport. However, after some technical adjustments to traffic lights and an increase in the number of vehicles traveling the route, the situation has normalized.  Whoa! ?3⃣0⃣0⃣ citizens of #Milan lined up on this busy street to protect cyclists on a bike lane. They’re calling for 30km/h in the whole city and a stop to parking on cycle lanes.Such a powerful action! ????#ProteggiMi pic.twitter.com/fsj9c1rLoV — Clean Cities (@cities_clean) November 21, 2022 "Most people don't know that 30 zones increase the quality of life and significantly reduce the risk of accidents, so an effective information campaign is needed to create a new traffic culture" (Lydia Bonanomi, author of the book "Les Temps de Rue" and godmother of traffic moderation). BenefitsSafety for residents, pedestrians, children, the elderly, bicyclists, and the disabled. Reducing speed means reducing risk exposure for drivers and those potentially coming into contact with the vehicle. A 10% reduction in speed results in a 30% reduction in fatalities. This occurs because at lower speeds the driver needs less space to cover in order to react and stop the vehicle. At 50 km/h a car needs about 28 meters to stop; at 30 km/h it needs only 13 meters. A reduction in speed in the city would greatly reduce the risk exposure of all vulnerable groups: children, the elderly, cyclists, and the disabled.1. Noise reduction.Noise pollution is an environmental problem caused by exposure to high levels of noise. This can have negative effects on human health and quality of life. The most frequent problems can be traced to pressure alterations, anxiety, stress, insomnia, nervous states, panic attacks in the most severe cases, and cardiovascular alterations. In urban areas, a reduction in speed from 50 to 30 km/h produces a 3db reduction in noise. A less noisy environment is also an environment where it is pleasant to walk and converse. Japan was once ranked as the noisiest country in the world due to the high level of urbanisation. Discover how the Japanese government is investing in R&D to reduce #NoisePollution and maintain its reputation as a peaceful and quiet place. #Japan ??https://t.co/o7q6VucCPL— Lios (@LiosGroup) February 28, 2023 2. Increased micro-mobility.In "30 Cities," there has been a boom in cyclists thanks to the spread of a new sense of safety: people cycle in a context where cars are forced to share space more equitably, says CleanCities' Italian manager. Where the thirty-kilometer per hour limit is actually respected, there is also no need for excessive infrastructure. For example, a protected bicycle lane is not necessarily necessary: bikes, electric skateboards, or scooters would be indirectly "protected" from the low speed of motor vehicles.3.Decreasing emissions.In 2022, as many as 72 out of 95 cities in Italy exceeded the World Health Organization's recommended limit on the amount of particulate matter PM10, particulate matter mainly produced by heating, which stands at an annual average of 20 micrograms per cubic meter of air. This is the finding of the report "Bad City Air 2023: Step Change Wanted," compiled and published as part of the Clean Cities Campaign.The cities that need to make the most effort are Turin and Milan (43% reduction needed), Cremona (42%), Andria (41%) and Alessandria (40%) for Pm10; Monza (60%), Milan, Cremona, Padua and Vicenza (57%), Bergamo, Piacenza, Alessandria and Turin (55%), for nitrogen dioxide (NO2).Here you can find the most polluted cities in the world.NO2 is a gas produced mainly by emissions from road traffic, particularly diesel vehicles, and at high concentrations, it can pose a health risk.One of the factors that raise the most concern on this topic is the theory that if you travel at 30km/h you will consume more fuel. Let's bust this myth.Accelerate, brake, stop, restart. "Stop and go" causes more stress on the brakes and tires, and consequently more production of atmospheric particulate matter: "This is emitted not so much from the tailpipe but from the tires and brakes. A car's acceleration consumption is much higher than its consumption at cruising speed. Studies often have unrealistic assumptions: they make assessments in ideal settings, where cars travel unimpeded and at constant cruising speeds. This is obviously not the reality of our cities," argues Claudio Magliulo, the Italian head of Clean Cities Campaign.It is true that "a car at a constant speed of thirty kilometers per hour pollutes about twenty-five to thirty percent more than a car traveling at seventy to eighty kilometers per hour." However, "the thirty kilometers per hour limit creates a smooth flow of traffic and compensates for the engineering problem of increased emissions." In addition, reducing speed also means that particulate matter remains at street level. The more cars speed, the more these substances rise into the air: "They get into buildings and fly up where the wind will move them even further away."4. More space available for pedestrians.If the speed of cars is high, so are the braking distances, and so is the area occupied by road traffic, both in length and width. By reducing the speed in urban areas to 30 km/h, the space for cars can be slightly reduced, leaving more room for pedestrians and cyclists.No "City 30" has shown an increase in travel time from point A to point B. According to a report by the Injury Prevention Bureau (IPU), with the lowering of the urban speed limit (from fifty to thirty kilometers per hour) travel times can drop by two seconds per hundred meters. And at peak hours this value can potentially drop to zero. Speed reduction, Upi points out, is unlikely to have a negative effect on city traffic, which depends on other factors such as the management and number of intersections, coordination of traffic lights, and the number of pedestrian crossings, and bus or streetcar stops.According to architect Matteo Dondé: "The intervention of experimenting with a Zone 30 or tactical urbanism involves identifying a residential neighborhood, possibly with the presence of a school, that has problems of crossing traffic, quality of public spaces and accidentality, and on this implement a complete traffic moderation project, carrying out all the phases foreseen and recommended by European manuals: neighborhood meetings for communication and awareness of the issue, project proposals, experimentation of low-cost solutions, verification of effects and consensus, progressive implementation of the planned interventions. In this way, the neighborhood can become the example for the entire citizenry to understand the benefits of traffic moderation and verify its effects, prior to the expansion of the Zone 30 project to other residential neighborhoods." Reducing the speed in urban centers will result in the development of new spaces for the inclusion of new pedestrian furniture and plants, so as to improve the quality of the street as a public space, thus transforming it into a space for relationships among a plurality of individuals (motorists, pedestrians, cyclists...) favoring socialization.The street as an open, safe, and shared space to be returned to people. A space where the elderly feel safer, the child can walk to school, and the merchant happy because the street is livable if there are more stores, greenery, and benches.Let's see some good examples...HelsinkiIn Helsinki, the first wave of introducing large-scale 30 km/h restrictions took place in 2004, then the system was extended in 2019. First, it was used in the city center and some residential areas, then speed restrictions were modified in effectively all the streets. The adjustments were made in a way that they affect the traffic entering and leaving residential areas and the city center as well.They do not monitor public opinion on this issue, but based on the reflections of the media it seems that citizens are satisfied. There is also a recent, 2022 poll concluding that 77 percent of Helsinki citizens feel safe in traffic, and only 5 percent answered that they find transportation in the Finnish capital dangerous.BrusselsAs of Jan. 1, 2021, Brussels introduced a citywide speed limit of 30 km/h. Results of the first 12 months: overall speed decreased by 9%, accidents by 22%, fatalities by 50 percent traffic noise by up to 50%, travel times by car remained the same or even slightly shorter. GermanyIn Berlin, where the speed limit applies to five main roads, significant improvements in air quality could be observed: especially the level of nitrogen dioxide decreased. In Hannover, they found that having a 30 km/h limit has no significant effect on the number of traffic accidents. On the other hand, they did find that in areas with such a limit the number of cyclists and pedestrians increase, and more people use public transport as well. This in turn has an effect on air quality and noise pollution.Final Thoughts"Climate change is a failure of imagination," says Rob Hopkins.The climate crisis requires us to deeply reimagine everything. It's not just a matter of choosing to buy organic food or put a few solar panels on roofs. We need to rethink how various systems work.We need to put all our attention into reimagining the system from the ground up.How do you envision the roads of the future?

Hardly makes any noise, does not emit any smelly exhaust fumes, and contains a lot of the latest technology - at least that is the general perception of electric vehicles. However, electromobility is much more than that; emission-free electric motors, fed with climate-neutral energy, are the technological promise that should lead us into a more environmentally friendly future.Many people and many companies are switching over: Instead of vehicles with combustion engines, they prefer to use climate-friendly electromobility. Such a massive changeover naturally raises questions – including the environmental impact. We have tried to answer some frequently asked questions here.?Remember, the best way to lower your carbon footprint is to choose public transit, active transportation (e.g., bike, walk, electric skateboard), or shared electrified travel. These options are also the most cost-saving, too!1. Are EVs a better environmental option?Our answer is YES: although many fully electric vehicles (EVs) carry “zero emissions” badges, this claim is not quite true. Battery-electric cars may not emit greenhouse gases from their tailpipes, but some emissions are created in the process of building and charging the vehicles.One source of EV emissions is the creation of their large lithium-ion batteries. The use of minerals including lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are crucial for modern EV batteries, requires using fossil fuels to mine those materials and heat them to high temperatures. As a result, building the 80 kWh lithium-ion battery found in a Tesla Model 3 creates between 2.5 and 16 metric tons of CO2 (exactly how much depends greatly on what energy source is used to do the heating). This intensive battery manufacturing means that building a new EV can produce around 80% more emissions than building a comparable gas-powered car.But just like with gasoline cars, most emissions from today’s EVs come after they roll off the production floor. The major source of EV emissions is the energy used to charge their batteries. These emissions, says Paltsev, vary enormously based on where the car is driven and what kind of energy is used there. The best-case scenario looks like what’s happening today in Norway, Europe’s largest EV market: the nation draws most of its energy from hydropower, giving all those EVs a minuscule carbon footprint. In countries that get most of their energy from burning dirty coal, the emissions numbers for EVs don’t look nearly as good—but they’re still on par with or better than burning gasoline.Currently, China dominates the electric vehicle battery market, producing the majority of the world’s supply. That’s notable because China’s grid is largely powered by coal. Though this condition still results in an electric vehicle producing fewer emissions (over its entire life cycle) than a traditional vehicle, there’s clearly room for improvement.Many auto manufacturers are brokering partnerships with other supplier countries, such as South Korea and Japan (both of which enjoy cleaner fuel mixes). In addition, the global auto industry is expanding battery manufacturing opportunities in North America and Europe to produce the greenest electric vehicle possible.2. Can EV batteries be recycled?Ok, so if we use a clean energy mix while charging our vehicles and manufacturing their batteries, we’re all good, right? Not so fast.What happens to all those batteries in about 10 years, when they must be replaced?Mirroring the recycling programs for small electronics that now exist in many big-box stores, there’s a huge effort under way to meet this reuse-and-recycle challenge. Some auto manufacturers, like Nissan and Volkswagen, are already re-purposing these batteries in secondary applications within their own factories. Concerned about where electric car batteries go after they've been used? EV batteries can actually be recycled and repurposed. Read about it in our guide.https://t.co/V0QVZZ3hOp#ev #electriccars #batteries #recycle #greencars #guide pic.twitter.com/wvdxIddlzw — GreenCars (@GreenCarsHQ) August 4, 2021 There are also promising early results in a 2020 study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology showing electric vehicle batteries could have a useful and profitable second life as backup storage for grid-scale solar photovoltaic installations. As this role would be less demanding than powering a vehicle, researchers estimate the batteries could perform for more than a decade in such a capacity.Lastly, some auto manufacturers are already recycling their electric vehicle batteries, though these efforts will have to scale up as more electric vehicles hit the road. Visualizza questo post su Instagram Un post condiviso da LINKY (@linkyinnovation) 3. Are electrically chargeable vehicles the future of road transport? Will they eventually replace conventional combustion engine vehicles?The term ‘electrically chargeable vehicle’ covers a wide range of technologies. From the perspective of the industry, there are several basic types of electrically chargeable vehicles. Electrically chargeable vehicles have a place on Europe’s roads, and their use is growing. Presently the industry predicts that in 2025 electrically chargeable vehicles will make up 2%-8% of the market, depending on how quickly the various technological, infrastructure, and socioeconomic challenges can be addressed. Even as the electrically chargeable vehicle develops, the industry expects that for the foreseeable future, the combustion engine will remain the dominant and most popular propulsion method, buttressed by alternative and hybrid drivetrains. Over time this may change as consumers become used to the vehicles and as infrastructure develops. However, it is difficult to predict precisely what future developments may lead to. And therefore relevant legislation in the EU institutions should continue to be ‘technologically neutral’.4. Does battery production cause CO2 emissions?It depends exactly where and how the battery is made—but when it comes to clean technologies like electric cars and solar power, even the dirtiest batteries emit less CO2 than those using no battery at all.Exactly how much CO2 is emitted in the long process of making a battery can vary a lot depending on which materials are used, how they’re sourced, and what energy sources are used in manufacturing. The vast majority of lithium-ion batteries—about 77% of the world’s supply—are manufactured in China, where coal is the primary energy source. (Coal emits roughly twice the amount of greenhouse gases as natural gas, another fossil fuel that can be used in high-heat manufacturing.) Exponential rise in the use of lithium-ion batteries in the world will be seen over the next decade #Lithium #batteries #EV #Solar #WaareeTech ??‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/9uijkI8nfA — Mayank Gupta (@MunkThePunk) February 16, 2023 For illustration, the Tesla Model 3 holds an 80 kWh lithium-ion battery. CO2 emissions for manufacturing that battery would range between 2400 kg (almost two and a half metric tons) and 16,000 kg (16 metric tons). Just how much is one ton of CO2? As much as a typical gas-powered car emits in about 2,500 miles of driving—just about the same weight as a great white shark!Researchers across the globe are trying to design new manufacturing processes or new battery chemistries that can work with more readily available, environmentally-friendly materials, but these technologies aren’t yet available on a wide scale.Despite the environmental footprint of manufacturing lithium-ion batteries, this technology is much more climate-friendly than the alternatives, Shao-Horn says.In the United States, the electric grid (which is a mix of fossil fuels and low-carbon energy such as wind, solar, hydropower, and nuclear power) is cleaner than burning gasoline, and so driving an electric car releases less CO2 than driving a gas-powered car."An electric vehicle running on coal has the fuel economy equivalent in the order of about 50 to 60 miles per gallon equivalent,” says David Keith, a professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management who studies the emergence of new technologies in the automotive industry.“So the dirtiest electric vehicle looks something like our best gasoline vehicles that are available today."And an electric vehicle running on electricity generated by hydropower, solar, wind, or other low-carbon energy sources can be significantly cleaner.5. Are there sufficient reserves of lithium to ensure stable battery production?According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Earth plays host to some 88 million tonnes of lithium. Of that number, only one-quarter is economically viable to mine (this is known as “reserves”). Luckily, Earth’s total reserves of lithium will likely increase as technology improves. For example, the USGS estimated only 13 million tonnes of lithium on Earth just a decade ago. Lithium is the new oil.#lithium #ev #oil pic.twitter.com/3KAbyTrmNX — SUJIT G VARTI (@sgvarti) February 23, 2023 The biggest challenge is justified is in answering how we’re going to extract the necessary amount of lithium in the first place.This brings us to maybe the greatest challenge of the EV revolution: how to quickly mine lithium (to start the green tech revolution our planet desperately needs) while not leaving behind a litany of ecological disasters and human rights abuses in our wake.Lithium mines use a lot of water—many thousands of gallons per minute, according to The New York Times—and groundwater contamination with antimony and arsenic are a real and persistent threat. Other side effects of lithium mines include biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and air quality degradation—and that doesn’t even include what moving mining operations to the ocean floor could do.Innovation can offer hope. One mining operation in Manitoba, Canada, is working to be a renewable and sustainable lithium mining operation with nearly all of its power drawn from hydroelectric energy, while also banning diesel-burning trucks and equipment. Increased efficiency in lithium recycling could also be a major boon to making these reserves last longer.If more mining operations follow suit, we can hope to have an electrified future worth saving.Do you have questions about this topic? feel free to drop your doubts with a comment below ;-)

If we want to cut down global greenhouse gas emissions to avoid the worst consequences of climate change, we must also drastically reduce the consumption of new raw materials. How? By moving from a linear economy to the model known as the circular economy, where all products at the end of their life cycle do not become waste to be disposed of, but valuable secondary materials that can be reused to make new things. In short: a model where differentiating better and adopting technologies to recycle more and more efficiently reduces our pressure on the planet and curbs the effects of global warming.Historically, items have been designed to fail. The circular economy will move us away from this wasteful system of consuming goods, it drives innovation and promotes renewable materials.Linky Innovation supports the circular economy and it is at the heart of our business model. Linky, the foldable electric skateboard, has been designed following the Design for Disassembly (DfD) approach, a process by which the design is implemented so as to allow for easy and economically sustainable disassembly of the product at the end of its life, and the reuse and/or recycling of its most valuable components.   Visualizza questo post su Instagram  Un post condiviso da LINKY (@linkyinnovation) "Designing for disassembly or deconstruction is one of the ways that product developers are enabling a circular economy to take shape. Taking apart the original components of a product and reusing them – in either the same or a completely different product – has environmental benefits. It reduces reliance on virgin raw materials, as well as the energy needed to extract or mine them". This leaves the path open to a business model in line with circular economy principles: end-of-life items can be returned to be regenerated by replacing consumables (such as transmission and wheels), and giving new applications to battery packs, engines, and carbon fiber structures. Structure: Polyamide & GF Recyclable material + Carbon fibers with potentially unlimited life. Motor: Easily removable and reusable on other products. Battery: Removable and reusable on other applications. We have already implemented a refurbishment service for used items: once the terms of the warranty are expired, customers use this service to extend the life of their skates by sending them back and having broken or worn-off parts replaced. In the future, we plan to expand this service by giving customers the option to send used items back and buy new ones at discounted prices. This will allow us to refurbish used items and resell them at special discounted prices. ? What exactly does #SystemChange mean?? What role can #companies play in changing systems? via @GreenBiz #ClimateAction #GlobalGoals #SustainableBusinesshttps://t.co/oltpOhz5IB— BforPlanet (@BforPlanet) August 18, 2021 The European Union has emphasized that the transition to a circular economy is necessary to achieve climate neutrality -- and thus zero net CO2 emissions -- and Green Deal goals by 2050. The EU parliament thus called on the European Commission to set constraints on the use of virgin raw materials by 2030 while simultaneously increasing recycling. To date, in fact, only 12 percent of materials used in Europe come from the circular economy. The EU also vows to act on the durability of products by promoting design research, but also actions such as repairing and reusing objects. "Circular economy is one such way forward. It is a concept with clear aims — design out waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems — and offers a tangible pathway for a resilient economic recovery from the pandemic, while ensuring attention isn’t turned away from other global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. But achieving these aims requires a re-imagination of what is possible and significant innovation efforts". How can art engage new audiences, help us reimagine what is possible, and shape a better future? Read our article on the role of art in driving systems change for a #circulareconomy here: https://t.co/adcF4VlGGq pic.twitter.com/ybXxiXznbP — Ellen MacArthur Foundation (@circulareconomy) February 6, 2023   What does “Circular Economy” mean? A common misunderstanding minimizes the definition of circular economy to the familiar Reduce-Reuse-Recycle approach. But as Ellen MacArthur Foundation CEO Andrew Morlet explained during a Leading Disruption Panel in 2020: “Recycling alone will not save us.” Circular economy is a “bigger idea” — a significant restructuring that forces us to rethink how we’ve done things since the rise of the first steam engine.   Visualizza questo post su Instagram  Un post condiviso da Ellen MacArthur Foundation (@ellenmacarthurfoundation) To better understand the circular economy, we can compare it to our current industrial economy, which is dominated by linear processes. Imagine a massive network of conveyor belts where goods are produced, used, and ultimately discarded. This one-way flow has a clear beginning and end.Why is a Circular Economy Important?A circular economy gains immense significance in the face of unprecedented climate change. As the United Nations’ International Resource Panel noted, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions is the extraction and processing of natural resources. By prioritizing material recovery over material production, circularity reduces the impact of such emissions.When implemented correctly and inclusively, a circular economy has the potential to protect an endangered environment, foster social equity, and boost sustainable economic progress. Furthermore, it offers respite for vulnerable communities who face disproportionate threats of displacement and extreme poverty under the present system.A circular economy also imbues businesses with a greater sense of corporate social responsibility, which is actionable and trackable. Such benefits result from the three foundational principles of a circular economy: Elimination of waste Circulation of products and materials Regeneration of the natural environment #plasticpollution is getting worse despite our individual #recycling and #reducing. We need to tackle the #fossilfuel producers and create a #CircularEconomy. @PlasticPolluteshttps://t.co/PYxlqzlfCI — Jane Richards Ⓥ (@greeneatz) February 7, 2023 Moreover, disengaging finite resources from economic progress offers resilience that is advantageous to the environment, human welfare, and business.How does the circular economy work?1. Designs out waste and pollutionCircular economy designs out economic activities that negatively impact human health and natural systems. This includes the release of greenhouse gases, all types of pollution and traffic congestion.2. Keeps products and materials in useCircular economy favors designing products for durability, reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling to keep materials circulating for as long as possible. It’s an economy that encourages many different uses for materials instead of just using them up.3. Regenerates living systemsCircular economy avoids the use of fossil fuels and non-renewable energy. By preserving and enhancing renewable resources, it returns valuable nutrients to the soil to support regeneration and actively improve the environment.Final ThoughtsWe have pushed past the planet’s limits to support humanity. World leaders, having woken up to the challenge, are now lifting their heads out of the sand and understanding its scale. We need to drastically cut the strain on the earth by rapidly recalibrating the global economy entirely. We believe that by backing companies that will help to deliver this economic reality will outperform those that remain wedded to the old paradigm. More than that, we can ensure that prosperity for future generations is maintained, or bettered.It is really important that you, as a consumer, are aware of the damages that our attitude can cause, but most of all of how you can change things too.Start to forget the idea to create, use and then throw away. Try to think in a circular way, where everything is useful and waste doesn't exist anymore.This is the first step to give life to change. 

Reducing CO2 and pollutant emissions from urban mobility is one of the EU’s ambitious goals for creating more sustainable European cities. Currently, over 70% of EU citizens live in urban areas, and over 80% of the EU’s GDP is generated in cities. However, urban congestion jeopardizes EU goals for a competitive and resource-efficient transport system. Urban transport is responsible for about a quarter of CO2 emissions from transport. Consequently, clean and smart urban mobility has become an important factor for cities to flourish economically and socially, with a high quality of life environmentally.The way that we move around today is clearly unsustainable: we face intense congestion and environmental imbalance, but also the serious impact that pollution or stress has on the well-being of those of us who live in cities in any region of the world. Urban centers generate 70 percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and road transport accounts for 12 percent of them, according to the International Energy Agency and C40 Cities.This is why it is necessary to rethink the current mobility model and seek formulas that allow us to move around in the most flexible, efficient, and cleanest way possible, rationalizing the use of the private car. And there is no better time to promote this transition than now, as we have the knowledge, technology, and alternatives – such as shared mobility – that can enable the change for the better that cities need.Multi-mobility and innovation are, in our view, the two central ingredients to minimize sustainable impact and respond to the new mobility demands that today’s users of passenger and goods transport services are increasingly expressing. They are looking for flexibility, the power to make informed choices through technology, and truly efficient transport options.MULTIMODAL MOBILITY | What does it mean?Multimodal transportation simply refers to the way people travel by multiple means of transportation, which includes biking, driving, taking a bus or subway, and also riding an electric skateboard. It is particularly relevant for people using public transportation, as rarely their routes are perfectly covered by bus or subway. Therefore, they could turn to alternative short-range transportation to complete their journey.And this is where the ongoing frenzy over e-skateboard and other alternative modes of transport comes in.E-bikes and electric skateboards are both valuable components of this vision of a multimodal future. “The transport of tomorrow will need to be provided by a fully integrated multimodal system which combines efficiency while minimizing its impact on the environment”. Says Josef Doppelbauer, Executive Director, European Union Agency for Railways. The capacity of car-oriented streets and multimodal streets.These two diagrams illustrate the potential capacity of the same street space when designed in two different ways. In the first example, the majority of the space is allocated to personal motor vehicles, either moving or parked. Sidewalks accommodate utility poles, street light poles and street furniture narrowing the clear path to less than 3 m, which reduces its capacity. In the multimodal street, the capacity of the street is increased by a more balanced allocation of space between the modes. This redistribution of space allows for a variety of non-mobility activities such as seating and resting areas, bus stops, as well as trees, planting and other green infrastructure strategies. The illustrations show the capacity for a 3-m wide lane (or equivalent width) by different mode at peak conditions with normal operations. More than just a lifestyle | Reshaping our citiesBikes reached a new high during the pandemic as people sought to avoid public transport. How else could we move freely and distress at the same time? During the pandemic bikes of all kinds appeared – from classic city bikes to daily usage eMTBs and even cargo bikes. Having a motor opened up a new world of opportunities, particularly in mountainous areas where once only the hardiest souls would have been seen commuting. This shift towards the simple bicycle benefits not just our own health, but the world’s: for everyone that cycles 5 km to and from work instead of driving, the German Environment Agency has calculated a saving of 300 kg of CO2 per year. Be proud bikers– this means we’re also contributing towards more space in the cities.Interesting is the example of Paris, now also known for its 15-minute city model.This system reduces the space for cars and restructures the transport model around having the most necessary goods within a radius of no more than 5-6 kilometers from home.People can walk to school and work and will have a health center, supermarket, and library nearby. These are cities based on sustainable social models that breathe new life into the word “local”. Places conceived to live in rather than travel through.United Nations "Street for Life - Why #Love30" campaignGo slow, save lives, walk, ride a bike, and protect the planet.  Those are just some of the ideas behind "Streets for Life," a new way of thinking about urban transport: making 30 km/h (20 mph) the standard speed limit for cities, towns, and villages around the world. After Brussels, Paris, Helsinki, Valencia, Zurich, Dutch cities, Olbia, Bologna, and Parma, Milan will also raise the speed limit to 30 kilometers per hour in almost the entire city in 2024.One of the main benefits of this initiative is the reduction of carbon emissions: streets that promote safe walking and cycling can reduce car dependency and harmful vehicle emissions that contribute to climate change.To protect the environment, people need safe, low-speed streets that encourage sustainable transport choices.Final ThoughtsShared mobility plays a key role in finding solutions to the challenges ahead.We must therefore guarantee the future of cities by protecting environmental balance and social cohesion through a transport model that is truly compatible with that future. This is how we can make our cities better places to live in, where people and the planet are the most important things.Our mission is to free our cities with clean rides for everyone. We’re not claiming we’ll save the world, but we’re relentlessly striving to do the right thing for people, cities, and the planet. We’re strong advocates of a car-free city, and we see ourselves as catalysts for multimodality. By offering alternative transport options that complement public transit, we’re certain we can change the way people travel – making our mission of car-free cities a reality.What is your opinion about Multimodal Cities? How's your town dealing with urban congestion? How do you commute? Drop a comment below, we'd love to hear your point of view :)   

A battery generally lasts for around five years, depending on how much wear and tear it gets. After that, it’s time to get rid of it – but how? And what happens to it then?E-vehicles are sometimes touted as a major (but underappreciated) tool in the fight against climate change. But just like any electric motor, the lithium batteries that power them are a problem. Their production, especially the requisite lithium and cobalt, is a resource-intensive and dirty process. What’s more, their life span is limited, and disposing of them is a challenge because chucking lithium batteries in the trash is dangerous—and even illegal in some states. Typically, getting rid of them involves a trip to your county’s hazardous-waste disposal site, where you’re charged a fee to have them thrown away. WHAT ARE eBIKE and eSKATE BATTERIES MADE OF? From sourcing different materials to engineering them to look sleeker and leaner, electric bikes and electric skateboard batteries have come a long way. We’re going to talk about three of the most well-known types of batteries.LeadAmong the first materials used to construct batteries, lead batteries have become increasingly less common nowadays. Not only do they have a lower power capacity, but lead is among the heaviest materials. Thus, making electric bikes or electric skateboard powered by lead batteries generally heavier. On the other hand, lead batteries are among the most simple to recycle.Nickel-cadmium (NiCd)Finding an ebike powered by Nickel-cadmium batteries today is almost impossible, but that wasn’t always the case. NiCd batteries have higher capacity than lead to hold more power, which made these ebikes desirable at one point. However, Nickel-cadmium is a costly material, and Cadmium is among the most difficult materials to recycle.Lithium-ionThe most common type of ebike and eskateboard batteries are Lithium-ion batteries. Lithium batteries are the perfect combination of batteries having a desirable weight and capacity to hold optimal power.Lithium-Ion batteries are made of lithium metals and other components. Unfortunately, the mining of lithium is highly energy intensive and often leaves many negative impacts on the surrounding communities and environments. In places such as the mines in Chile and the proposed mine in Thacker Pass, Nevada, these mines use up to 2 billion gallons of water annually, in communities already stressed by drought conditions and freshwater sources.Additionally, mining laws in the U.S. and many other countries, especially low-income, are not up to date, for example, the U.S. mining law dates back to 1872…and we still abide by it today.These laws, or lack thereof, do not develop positive relationships between the communities surrounding mines, and multi-billion dollar mining companies. The communities and environments in this area suffer tremendous negative impacts, from health issues to water potency, to significant air pollutants and carcinogens. All of these reasons, and more, are why we should clean up the mining industry and reduce the need for virgin mining through the process of recycling!https://twitter.com/buday4vancouver/status/1404914590266183684A battery loses around 10% of its capacity every year. This is something you may have noticed on your smartphone or laptop as it gets older. However, the exact service life cannot be predicted as this also depends on the nature and duration of the stress to which it is subjected.As a customer, it is your duty to return old batteries. This means that you simply need to ship it back to Linky Innovation. The fee for battery disposal is already included in its purchase price. You must not throw the battery away with your household rubbish.Once it has been returned to our warehouse, your battery is then taken to a specialist recycling facility where it is reprocessed. Many of the raw materials in a battery are very scarce, so recycling has environmental and economic benefits and helps to conserve resources. With this in mind, you can see how important it is to return old batteries straight away.  

Building a more sustainable urban transport system has been a central focus for cities globally with the goal of creating a well-connected seamless mobility experience while reducing traffic, noise, and pollution. Despite all the careful planning by government officials to that end, the rise of micromobility has been an unexpected, grassroots success story of recent years in the urban transport sector. In cities across Europe, the US, and Asia, thousands of users are taking advantage of a growing range of shared micromobility options. E-scooters in particular are growing in popularity at an incredible rate, surpassing an estimated 20 million users in Europe alone.Millions of people have adopted a growing range of shared micromobility options in cities across Europe, America, and Asia. While bike and e-bike sharing schemes have become increasingly popular over the past five years, no one anticipated the massive uptake of e-scooters. Overnight, people riding through cities on e-scooters have become a common sight around the world. Within two years of the first service’s launch by Bird, in Santa Monica, California, in September 2017, e-scooter sharing services have reached 626 cities across 53 countries.Cities tackling car-centric mobilityToday’s cities are facing alarming air and CO2 pollution rates — with cars as the main driver. Decarbonizing urban transport is now a central focus of global, national, and city climate plans. The C40 network is challenging cities to draft high-ambition, Paris Agreement-compatible climate plans, with cities like Paris, Stockholm and London paving the way. Cities must reduce pollution, congestion, and noise while meeting the mobility demands of a growing population and a modern economy. There is increasing awareness of the burdens of car-centric mobility linked to pollution, noise, and inefficient use of limited space. Post-car city road maps are becoming common. Paris has been the first to set remarkable targets: zero diesel cars by 2024 and zero fossil fuel cars by 2030, with Mayor Anne Hidalgo committing to green mobility and 1000 km of cycling lanes across the city with her “15-minute city” plan.The burden of car-centric urban mobility Climate change: transport is Europe’s largest source of GHG emissions, contributing to 27% of the EU’s total CO2 emissions. Air quality: air pollution levels exceed safe levels in many European cities, leading to premature deaths. Noise: the EU estimates that 40% of Europeans are exposed to dangerous levels of road traffic-related noise, impacting mental health and well-being. Congestion: the average person living in Paris spends 65 hours in traffic per year, compared with 49 in Munich and 35 in Stockholm, leading to a loss of productivity. Reduced commuting time is a strong predictor of well-being and has been linked to poverty alleviation. Space: research in Stockholm shows that 50% of the city’s space is allocated to roads and car parking. This rate is similar across European cities. Let’s give a closer look at how cities are leading the way.ParisIn February 2022, Paris officials committed to banning all non-essential private vehicles from the heart of the city by 2024, in an effort to significantly reduce air pollution. The new car-free zone is said to be named the ‘zone apaisée’ or ‘calm zone’ and will reduce total traffic through the core of the city by roughly 55%. Public transit, emergency vehicles, cyclists, and e-scooter users will find it easier to travel within the city center.The ‘sustainable mobility package’ was launched for easier, cleaner, more affordable sustainable daily transport. Employees commuting to work via ‘soft mobility’ forms of transport can receive up to 600 euros each year to reimburse their travel costs. The eligible transport options are the following:         E-scooters (privately owned and rented)         Cycling (traditional and electric bikes)         Electric Skateboards         Public transportation (buses, metro, tram)         Carpooling The package is designed to incentivize low-carbon transport to drastically reduce employee carbon footprint and encourage exercise.London1 in 5 Londoners now live near the London cycle network, thanks to the record-breaking expansion. Since 2016, 250km of high-quality, safe cycling routes have been delivered by TfL, contributing to the 240% increase in cycling in February 2021. These infrastructure investments have made greener modes of transport more attractive – large numbers of Londoners have taken up/rediscovered cycling and private e-scooter usage and sales have significantly increased as a result.The expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in October 2021 has exceeded expectations. The ULEZ zone saw the number of clean, green vehicles increase from 39% in 2017 to 80% in 2021. Similarly, the expansion of pedestrian crossings and the transformation of dangerous junctions have had a profoundly positive effect on people's mental and physical health.CaliforniaThe Clean Cars 4 All (CC4A) program provides incentives to lower-income and disadvantaged communities to trade their high emission car for a zero-emission alternative. Eligible participants can receive a voucher worth $5,000-$9,500 (depending on the income bracket), which can be used to: purchase an e-bike, subscribe to an e-bike sharing program, or for purchasing public transport tickets.We know micromobility is good, why aren’t we using more of it?Despite the large range of e-bikes and e-scooters on the market, our roads are still congested with cars, and micromobility is left to the side. Why?Micromobility is well-received by the public. Over 60% of people in the UK stated they would use it for their daily commute, whereas countries that have adopted micromobility most effectively, such as France and Germany, represent higher proportions of almost 70%.The largest issue in the uptake of micromobility is the lack of supporting infrastructure, whether it be a lack of cycle lanes, storage, or even charging, particularly for e-scooters.On top of lacking infrastructure, regulation around micromobility varies in different countries and is still expected to change, making it relatively confusing for people. In the UK, rental e-scooter trials are currently taking place, yet private e-scooters are illegal to ride on public roads. Although private e-scooters have become very popular in the UK, lack of regulation fails to enforce safe and responsible use.What are we currently doing about supporting infrastructure?We have cycling lanes, yet still, the roads are made for cars. We have bike racks, yet space for these is limited with most on- and off-street parking being dominated by cars. We have fuel pumps and an increasing amount of EV charging points, yet no widespread e-bike charging option is available. We have rental e-scooters with their dedicated parking spaces, yet no storage or charging for the more convenient, green, and affordable private e-scooters. The bottom line is that the current infrastructure in our cities favors polluting, unsustainable, and unhealthy car use.We’re not yet equipped for a sustainable future transport system but development is coming. The only question that remains is when will we get there and what will drive the change?Closing thoughtsToday’s cities are facing a challenge: reducing pollution and congestion while improving urban access and quality of life. To user European cities into post-car centers, noise and pollution-free zones will not only take smart policies and infrastructure but also a fundamental shift in mobility habits and behavior. This is where the sustainability potential of e-mobility lies: first tried out for fun but adopted for convenience, they exhibit tremendous uptake pointing to their potential to change the way we move in cities. By making alternative and public transit systems more accessible and convenient, e-scooters, e-bikes, and e-skates can serve as a catalyst toward shared and low-carbon mobility. “Shared mobility is part of the bigger plan of creating a livable, sustainable, and accessible city with places that are pleasant to stay in. MaaS and micromobility are key in our plans,” say Eindhoven MaaS experts Astrid Zwegers and Jan Willem van der Pas.To take advantage of e-scooters, cities and policymakers should embrace the trend and create environments conducive to private sector investment and sustainable practices that benefit the city, its citizens, and the planet. Together, investment toward micromobility infrastructure, effective policies, innovation, and responsible business practices can help cities reach their climate goals, reclaim space for citizens and improve their quality of life. While some challenges remain for the e-scooter sector, such as solving parking and improving safety, the unexpected rise of the e-scooter in Europe shows that the future of mobility that is people-centric and provides low-carbon transport may come faster than we thought.  

There are so many electric skateboards out there that it is tricky to figure out which board is the best for you.If you're just comparing the specs, there are plenty of cheap boards that are mass-produced and in theory, have fantastic numbers in terms of range.Here we outline what you should look for other than just specs and why Linky Innovation produces the best electric skateboard in the market.1. PortabilityThere are quite a few reasons why you might want to use a lightweight or compact electric skateboard. Traditional eskates are fun to ride and can reach extreme speeds, but many of these devices weight quite a bit. They can be a pain to move around, and many urban riders might end up carrying their board pretty far during the average ride. This problem only becomes bigger if you’re forced to transport your skateboard multiple miles. Holding a forty-pound board on your lap or in your backpack for miles on the train or in the car can quickly sap the enjoyment out of riding. Lightweight electric skateboards can be the solution.It goes without saying that the only electric skateboard that can be folded and put into a backpack is the most portable electric longboard.Linky is 12.1lbs(5.5kg) in weight only, and can be folded into a 15.8inch(40cm) package that can be easily stored in backpacks.2. Is it Waterproof?Nobody can predict the weather. As it is a scientific fact that water and electronics do not mix, this point cannot be overstated: if your board isn’t waterproof, water will damage it and is incredibly unsafe.When you’re searching for a waterproof board, look for an Ingress Protection Rating – IP65 or higher is ideally a safe waterproof reading.With Linky you can ride without worrying about rain, it is certified IP65.3. Comprehensive WarrantyTaking the time (which is admittedly time-consuming) to inspect and investigate the fine print of warranties pays off in spades later down the road.A few general tips to keep in mind are: The longer a warranty is, the better (let’s say two brands offer the same product – one has a 6-month money back guarantee, and another has one full year; who would you go with?) Read customer responses on various online forums Find out if you’ll void the warranty by attempting to repair the board yourself When your board needs repairs, will the warranty cover the part replacement or will you pay out of pocket? The answers to these questions (and any need-to-know info concerning warranties and coverages) should be on the manufacturer’s website. If it isn’t, consider an alternative board. A company that isn’t forthcoming about how it provides your needs isn’t a company that deserves your money.You can read about our policy here.4. BatteryThe type of battery your board is packing determines the total max distance you’ll be able to ride. Just imagine this: you plan for a full hour of riding as far as you want, blissfully catching a nice tan on your back as you glide through the air. Then your board slowly fizzes to a stop. You’re miles from an electric socket. Now you’re forced to walk (or push) to the nearest electric outlet and charge the battery – which usually takes anywhere between 1-3 hours.No fun.That’s why it’s crucial to always get bigger batteries – these babies hold more juice. Generally, Li-ion batteries (Samsung is the most popular) are the perfect choice in an ideal world. It’s a good idea to keep this figure in mind: on average, 99wh batteries = ~6 miles.While larger batteries and battery packs cost more upfront, they require fewer recharge cycles. Smaller battery packs, by their fundamental design, hold less juice capacity and need to be recharged more often.Linky has a range of 18 km (12 miles) thanks to its long-life lithium battery derived from the automotive industry. It charges 85% of capacity in just 30 minutes. Remove the battery for transportation or swap it in a few minutes for a never-ending ride. A USB port allows you to use the board to charge your cell phone.5. ModularityWhat modularity means is the ability to fix parts and components yourself. If you own a bike, car, or ATV (or any other vehicle) you already know that regular maintenance is not only good for your vehicle but gives you opportunities to see any potential (and expensive) problems and fix them.We’re taking these babies over rough terrain, at moderate-to-high speeds, and generally putting these things through hell. Sadly, electronics aren’t easy to get to – and require a certain level of knowledge to repair yourself (often by design). This is where specialists, with special tools, come in handy.At Linky, we give you all the assistance to fix the smaller problems yourself. For example, here you can watch a video where our founder Paolo explains how to change the belt :-)

Cities all over the world celebrate Sept 22 as "World Car Free Day". This is part of a long tradition of the car-free movement that has led cities and their citizens to prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit over the private automobile.The World Carfree Network says that the World Car-Free Day can be a showcase for just how our cities might look like, feel like, and sound like without cars... 365 days a year.Meanwhile, every year from 16 to 22 September, European towns showcase their commitment to clean and sustainable urban transport during #MobilityWeek.Car-free days are an opportunity for cities to highlight how congested roads can be used in different ways. From races for alternative-energy powered vehicles in Budapest, to horse-riding in São Paulo, to street picnics in Vienna, to running in Jakarta, cities and the people who live in them are stressing the alternatives to polluting vehicles on this important day.Check out this article where we talk about the cities of the future ;-)An emblematic model of a car-free day: Bogota’s CiclovíaEvery Sunday for almost 50 years, the City of Bogotá has closed off a continuous network of streets and avenues, banning motorized vehicles so that residents can safely go for a walk or ride a bicycle safely. What began as an activist and community initiative progressively became institutionalized and is now a core measure in the city's public policy with regard to leisure and improving the quality of life.Air pollution caused by transportCar-free days are a massive opportunity for cities to realize how much pollution affects our lives. Vehicle emissions are one of the main sources of outdoor air pollution, particularly in cities. Ambient air pollution alone caused some 4.2 million deaths in 2016, according to the World Health Organization. Transport is also the fastest growing source of fossil-fuel CO2 emissions, the largest contributor to climate change. The results of going car-free are clear to see. For instance, the first “journée sans voiture” (day without a car) in Paris, France was held in September 2015 and was found to reduce exhaust emissions by 40 percent.“Most cities have been designed around mobility for cars, and it is high time we change this and start designing cities around human mobility,” says Rob de Jong, Head of UN Environment’s Air Quality and Mobility Unit.E-rides Help Reduce Air PollutionThe biggest challenge for highly dense cities is the high carbon emissions from road transportation. In the UK alone, road transportation contributes 28 percent of carbon emissions. Moreover, it is the biggest sector that produces the most harmful emissions globally. Electric mobility devices help lessen air pollutants since they produce zero emissions.Electric scooters, electric bikes, and other micro-mobility devices use electric motors and don’t have tailpipes, so they don’t emit any bad emissions. A study by shared e-scooter company Lime found that e-scooters helped save around 330 tons of CO2 emissions in Paris for a year. Overall, these transport devices have proven their benefit and role in reducing carbon emissions in the atmosphere.Car Free Day lasts only 24 hours, but it is just a chance to remind us that using a car is not always essential. And that today we have so many more sustainable alternatives available to us!Either personal mobility device will give you a convenient, efficient, and quick way to travel within cities. When choosing an e-ride, start by determining your commuting needs. Do you need an everyday ride? Do you need a lightweight ride to carry inside elevators or up the stairs? Do you need a compact ride to store inside your small apartment?Linky could be the perfect solution for your commuting needs. It is safe, light, and extremely portable (you can carry it in a backpack ;-) ) 

The range of an electric bike is how far you can ride on one charge.The problem is how to assess the electric bike range. All electric bikes are advertised as having a particular range. However, these advertised ranges are usually inaccurate. In fact, sometimes they are downright exaggerated, and may even be four times higher than the reality. It is nearly impossible for electric bike range claims to be totally accurate.If you’ve taken the leap and bought yourself an e-bike - congratulations! - You might have found that you’re not getting the manufacturer's stated range out of it when you start going out on regular rides. Or you might find that you’re surpassing it. You will undoubtedly have realized over multiple adventures on your ebike that the range will fluctuate. You and your partner or a friend may have the same ebike and ride together at the same pace but one of you runs out of juice faster than the other. So what gives?The truth is that multiple factors affect an ebikes range, some of them are mechanical, some of them are electrical, and many of them are external factors.Here, we’ll delve into each of these as we get to grips with the ebike range.ELECTRIC BIKE DISTANCE - HOW FAR CAN ELECTRIC BIKES GO?Currently, the longest range electric bicycles can reach is 350-400 km on one charge. Standard e-bikes with 400-500W batteries would ride up to 100-120 km on one charge. Simple city e-bikes would normally run 50-60 km on a single charge.Of course, the better the battery, the wider the range of hours the e-bike will ride on one charge. At the same time, external factors also have a lot to do with the riding range.EXTERNAL FACTORS Weight It holds in this respect that the weight of the bike as well as that of the rider will affect the range. The more weight the motor is required to assist, the shorter the range. Power Settings On a  Linky ebike power levels can be adjusted from 1-5, with level 1 providing the least amount of power and 5 outputting the most power. Depending on how quickly someone may want to travel, how much gear they are carrying, and type of terrain may warrant them to use more or less power, causing fluctuations in battery mileage over the status quo baseline above. Terrain  Going uphill requires using more energy as the motor is working against both friction and gravity in this situation, rather than just friction when traveling on flat ground. This is compounded by the weight factor above i.e. more weight going uphill requires even more power. Terrain doesn’t just mean hills, and traveling over dirt and gravel, i.e. less grippy surfaces requires more power than traveling on smooth pavements. Weather As the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, riders will see nominal decreases in mileage per charge up until 32 degrees. As temperatures drop below freezing and into the teens and single digits, battery mileage can be up to 50% less than under normal operating conditions. Stop-Starting Each time you stop and start again, the motor requires more power from the battery to get moving again. If you are frequently starting and stopping versus a continuous ride with fewer stops, you will see better mileage overall.TIPS TO INCREASE YOUR EBIKE RANGE1. Lose The Extra Weight Try to keep the overall weight as low as possible and offload unnecessary heavy items. Only take things with you that you really need en route. The basic rule is that less weight equals a longer range.2. Correct TiresTires that are kept at their maximum air pressure rating have less rolling resistance, meaning your battery wastes less energy getting you moving. I’m still trying to find a study of bicycle tire pressure vs energy usage, but similar studies conducted using car tires have consistently indicated an increase in range of about 3%. 3. Correct Pedal Assist Level Match your desired top speed with a pedal assist level that suits it. Doing so will reduce the burden on the motor because it won’t be trying to push you harder and faster.4. Slow Down (and enjoy life!)If you aren’t in a hurry and you aren’t trying to keep up with traffic for safety reasons, try slowing down just a tad. Even a couple of miles per hour will make a significant decrease in the amount of energy you are using to maintain that speed.Energy use vs speed isn’t linear, so dropping your speed by just 5% is actually saving a good deal more than 5% of your energy. In other words, slowing down a couple of miles per hour can have a big effect on your ebike range.5.    Look after your bike!Wheels with low tire pressure have higher rolling resistance, which will cost you in terms of range. The correct tire pressure combined with an oiled and well-maintained chain will ensure smooth riding and low rolling resistance.CONCLUSIONThe most important takeaway to understand about ebike battery mileage is that it will vary widely based on a number of circumstances.A 250lb man pulling a trailer through the snow in 20-degree temperatures will certainly see less mileage than a 120lb woman riding a paved bike trail on flat terrain during the Summer. Both bikes and batteries are functioning properly, but without factoring in all scenarios, the man described above may perceive his battery to be faulty, but in reality, it is performing just fine.Sometimes I personally feel like pedaling, while other times I just want to set the 5th level of assistance and cruise without ever breaking a sweat, however, I will see vast differences in mileage per charge.

Wondering if it is ok to ride or drive in the rain with your e-bike? The short answer is yes! Like everything, there are some do's and don'ts that will help you to stay safer and trouble-free. Rain isn’t going to stop you. This is especially true if you have taken the time to prepare your electric bike, yourself, and your gear for rainy rides before clouds appear. Do this and you should be able to avoid getting cold, wet, chaffed, or worst of all broken.CAN ELECTRIC BIKES GET WET?Most e-bikes are safe to ride in the rain, though there are some exceptions and important things to know about your specific e-bike before you and your bike go traipsing out in a late-summer monsoon. Most importantly, check with the manufacturer of your bike to see if it’s rated for riding in the rain. Still, there are a few additional considerations that may be useful for wet-weather riding.All the Linky e-bikes have an IP rating of 65. This means that you are fully protected against dust and solid objects. And as far as the water tightness you are protected against jets of water, which is why you are fine to wash your bike with a hose. And you are also protected when riding through a shallow stream.These wet-weather riding considerations include the type of equipment you’ve got on your bike — including fenders, weatherproof accessories and capable tires — to riding best practices, including braking early and slower cornering, among some other things.1.      USE BIKE FENDERS Fenders help keep your clothing dry. While electric bikes are largely water-resistant - the drivetrain or motor can endure heavy splashes and the battery will not fail by getting it wet - you may want to consider adding fenders to your e-bike.2.      WEAR WEATHERPROOF CLOTHING Scandinavians have a saying: "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing (gear!)." With a few choice pieces of apparel, cycling in the rain can actually be very pleasant—especially as you pass all the other travelers stuck in traffic!One of the most challenging components of riding in the rain is how quickly your clothing becomes wet. Because of this, it’s a good idea that you wear clothing that will keep you warm and as dry as possible.Look for good quality water-resistant gloves that will keep your hands warm and dry. Popular materials include Gore-tex or in extreme cases neoprene.You may even want to consider layering fleece, wool, polyester, or bamboo-based viscose fabrics so that you can vent or remove layers as conditions change.Add rain pants or waterproof shoes to make the ride even more comfortable.3.      CLEAN YOUR EBIKE Water, oil, and other substances from the road can leave a gross residue on your bike frame and components. Wipe your bike down periodically to prevent the residue from building up and affecting your ride.Pay special attention to your chain! Your chain will get dirty quickly in the rain. Give it a little extra love by using a degreaser to remove excess grime and applying a few drops of lubricant. This can greatly extend your chain's lifespan.4.      MAKE YOURSELF VISIBLE I’m a proponent of always carrying at least a small light, even if I’m not planning on riding at night. This is more important so that you can be seen rather than see, especially if you’re riding near cars or other pedestrians. Rain can quickly hamper visibility, and even a small light can help ensure your presence doesn’t go unnoticed.5.      BRAKE EARLY Just like driving a car on wet roads, your e-bike’s tires likely won’t hook up as well in the rain. Braking early and turning slower than normal are key to safe e-biking in the rain.  Keep an eye out for known danger zones like metal sewer covers in the middle of the road, metal grates along the curbs, and painted stripes at intersections. These can all become very slippery in the rain and cause a crash before you can react.6.      ADJUST YOUR RIDING STYLE Ride slow: don't rush! Budget extra time to allow for the safest possible ride.Reduce your tire pressure: this will slow you down a little but will provide a much better grip.Layer up and plan ahead: because you know what’s worse than getting caught in an unexpected downpour? Spending the rest of your day in wet clothes because you didn’t bring a rain shell. This is perhaps most important for e-bike commuters, who I’d argue should find a way to keep at least a waterproof rain jacket in a pannier bag or their backpack at all times.Check out Linky's raincoat here.  7.      DON’T SUBMERGE THE MOTOR AND BATTERY Do not ride through water that will submerge your motor and battery. Your battery in particular is susceptible to shorting out if submerged for any length of time. Something to be avoided :). Like any vehicle though, avoid riding through flooded water if you can, particularly fast-moving water.We also recommend that you don't leave your ebike outside in the weather for any length of time. This includes storing it in a dry place at home.If your bike is really wet and you are concerned that water has gotten into the battery contact points then use a leaf blower to disperse the water after you take the battery out.  Leave the battery out of the bike for a few hours to let the system completely dry.It's not always easy to get started when it's already raining, but after the first few pedal revs, all the anxiety disappears! Be safe and ride on.PURCHASE YOUR NEXT ELECTRIC BIKE WITH LINKYE-bikes are quickly becoming one of the most sought-after and widely used means of transportation worldwide. If you’re considering purchasing an e-bike, but are still on the fence about it, contact Linky Innovation today. With years of experience, our staff can help answer any questions you might have about ebikes and make the process of purchasing one as seamless as possible.

More and more people are challenging the car-dominated culture of our cities. And why not? Urban cycling is fun, healthy, and lets you see your town in a new and exciting way. A bike can get you to the grocery store, concerts, school, or work—you name it.Biking through a city scares a lot of people. Urban cycling sounds terrifying, but it’s not as complicated or dangerous as it seems. Riding safely in traffic can be distilled down to three key behaviors:Be visible: Wear a bright jacket/top or white helmet. Equip your bike with front and rear flashing safety lights, and use them at night and in gloomy daylight conditions. For extra visibility, add spoke lights.Be legal: To earn respect, show respect to other road users. Ride with traffic, not against it. Use bike lanes where available. Observe the road rules. Ride in single file. Ride on the street or in a bike lane, not on the sidewalk unless this is permitted. The sidewalk may feel safer, but you must stay alert for pedestrians and driveway traffic.Be predictable: Don’t ride erratically or weave in and out of cars. Hand signal your turning intention before you enter the turn. Be courteous to other road users by not needlessly blocking lanes or impeding traffic flow, unless the safest action is to "take a lane." When riding with family or friends, focus on the traffic, not the chat.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUeyxDVtlWY Know Your State’s Laws Do you need to wear a helmet in your state? Are you allowed to ride on sidewalks? Is it legally safe to pass a car on the left side when you’re on a bike? Like driving, every state has a different set of laws for cyclists, so it’s worth brushing up on the basics.Give a look at this article to know the essential road cycling hand signals. Assume car doors will open Getting doored is a shockingly common occurrence. Sadly, the only way to truly prevent this from happening is to keep a good distance between yourself and parked cars.And watch for movements inside those parked cars that suggest someone inside is about to open a door without looking. Look where you want to go Don't spend too much time worrying about the traffic behind you. The majority of bike accidents involving cars happen when the driver and rider cross each other's path at intersections and driveways, especially when a driver turns in front of a rider. If you can’t see their mirrors… …then they can’t see you. Simple as that. Don’t box yourself in or tailgate vehicles Try not to ride into a situation where you don’t have a clear exit. A good example of this is when you are approaching a red light, riding between rows of stationary or slow-moving traffic.Don’t get trapped between vehicles as many drivers won’t see you if you’re sitting right next to them when the lights turn green.Similarly, the stopping distance of other road users will usually be significantly better than yours, so always keep a sensible distance from the vehicle ahead. Hold your line To stay safe in traffic, you need to keep track of what's happening behind you, so it's a good idea to master the skill of looking behind you without swerving. Practice riding on the painted line of a quiet road or parking lot. Once you can do this, try maintaining your course while turning your head to the left. Slightly drop your left shoulder while keeping your right shoulder level. Don't rely on peripheral vision. You should be able to turn your head far enough to see clearly behind you.If you're struggling, try sticking out your left arm straight behind you, then turn your head, shoulders, and neck as you look over your left shoulder. Sighting down your arm will help you keep riding straight. Eventually, you'll be able to do it without using your arm as a guide. Follow the flow When riding in a standard road lane, ride on the right, but not too far right. Yes, this puts you closer to the flow of traffic, but it's also safer because drivers will be less tempted to try to squeeze past you.Not hugging the gutter also reduces your risk of getting walloped when someone opens the door of a parked car.Claim the entire lane, if that's what you need to ensure safety. In fact, on some streets that feature special bike lane markings (known as sharrows) cyclists are supposed to take the entire lane. Taking the full lane is often the safest way to ride downhill sections where the speed limit is 30 miles per hour or less because a bike can easily keep up with other vehicles. In this case, it's better to just act like a car. Use Google Maps Google Maps has cycling directions, and they’re fantastic. If you don’t know how to get around, plot out your route in Google Maps first. This will guide you along bike-friendly streets and paths so you can avoid accidentally getting on some four-lane road with no room on the side.Heck, you can even break the no headphone rule and get turn-by-turn directions if you need to (but seriously don’t also listen to music or podcasts or whatever). Ride for yourself It’s easy for a beginner to go out and simply follow other riders in traffic but we’d strongly advise against doing this. Chances are the decisions they’re making will not be considering your safety, and there’s no guarantee that the person you are following is a good rider anyway.Ride for yourself. Have your own cycling ability and safety in mind when riding in traffic.Well, that should cover the basics pretty well. Have you ever been in a bikeaccident? How did it happen? If you have any other tips to share please leave acomment below :-) 

Introducing the new Ush Limited Edition, the electric bike for every kind of rider.Rediscover the fun of moving freely with the powerful 250 Brushless motor.You don't need to spend a fortune to own a comfortable, good-quality e-bike. You will never want to get off this e-bike again. Now let's get to know it better and understand what makes it one of the best e-bikes on the market at only 749 euros.CLASSIC AND ELEGANT DESIGNThe Ush Limited bike is designed to be light and sturdy with all electronic components perfectly integrated into the shape of the frame. Front and rear racks are included.We wanted to make sure that, riding this bicycle, you felt comfortable and could take it anywhere.TECHNOLOGICAL AND COMFORTABLEThe Ush Limited is equipped with integrated LED lights for safe riding. The removable battery is seamlessly integrated under the seat and is easy to charge both inserted into the bike and when taken out.The battery has a range of 60 km and can be recharged in 3 hours. Although it is designed to be ridden in the city, the sturdy frame allows it to travel even on rougher roads. Look where Juri took it!https://youtu.be/1zNAekpCvqIA powerful 250w brushless motor is installed in the rear wheel and 5 riding modes to climb hills of different gradients effortlessly.Powerful front and rear disc brakes and a Shimano gearbox for safe and comfortable riding. An LCD screen allows you to check various information during use: speed, battery charge, and riding mode.A lightweight, uniquely colored aluminum frame designed to last makes it the perfect vehicle for city commuting. The Ush limited is currently €450 off!https://youtu.be/lQV8_J-f7BcWhat are you waiting for?Revolutionize the way you move with the Ush Limited.

Electric skateboards can seem like magical things - one moment you’re perfectly still and the next your flying through the air without even doing anything.It can feel like riding your own flying carpet sometimes! (Yes, all of those wannabe Aladdins you see on those joke Youtube videos are actually using electric skateboards.)But there’s nothing mystical or even that complex about how electric skateboards work - they’re just like regular skateboards with a few extra parts, in fact.For those who have ever wondered “how does my electric skateboard (or longboard) work actually,” this article is for you. Here, we’re going to cover what an e-board technically is, the parts it's made out of, and how all they work together in order to do the voodoo that they do so well.Understanding how your e-board works can only lead to good things. You’ll know when and when not to use it, its strengths and weaknesses, and the reasons behind its performance. Finish this article, and you’ll be one step closer to being a better rider.What is an Electic Skateboard, Exactly?An electric skateboard, also referred to as an e-board, is fundamentally very similar to a regular skateboard: both are personal mobility devices composed of two sets of wheels mounted on a board or deck that vary in length. Portability and maneuverability are very important features to both.The key difference between an electric skateboard and a regular skateboard, and the thing that really makes the former unique, is the presence of an electric drive system. This drive system, composed of a battery, motor, and various electric components, removes the need for them to use their legs to accelerate or decelerate.Rather than having to kick, push, and brake using their feet, electric skateboard riders instead rely upon a remote to control the board. This remote communicates with the motor signaling it to go forward, slow down, or stop. All you have to do as the rider is lean, turn, and enjoy the ride.That is an electric skateboard in nutshell. Of course, there is a bit more to it than just a motor and battery though. We’ll get into the nitty-gritty here soon and focus on the different parts of an electric skateboard and explain the purpose of each one.For now, let’s go over a few advantages of using an electric skateboard vs a regular one.Pros and Cons of Riding an Electic Skateboard Pros  Cons Less physically demanding Easier to accelerate More portable and affordable than other types of personal transport, like e-bikes Environmentally-friendly Responsive and agile More expensive Need to be used with more caution More components mean more things can break Bit of a learning curve Not for children Bit heavier than regular boards What Are the Important Parts of an Electric Skateboard?The following are the crucial parts of an electric skateboard. Without these, most e-boards would work.We’ll go over each of these parts now so you have a better idea of what they do.BatteryThe battery stores and provides the electricity necessary to power an e-board’s motor and other electrical components. Without it, an electric skateboard would just be any other regular skateboard.The battery is the heaviest, largest, and most expensive part of an electric longboard. The bigger the battery, the longer the range, and the higher the price.Most electric skateboard batteries are made of lithium-ion. Lithium polymer and LiPro4 batteries are possible but less common. Lithium batteries do need to be treated a certain way both for the sake of extending their lifespan and for safety.MotorThe motor of your electric skateboard converts electrical power into mechanical power. Mechanical power is transferred from the motor to the wheel usually via a series of pulleys and/or belts. When the pulley in the motor spins, it causes the wheels to turn.There are two types of motors used in electric skateboards: hub motors and belt motors.Hub motors are located within the wheels themselves. They’re smaller, quieter, and generally less conspicuous than belt motors. They are also less powerful, tend to overheat due to a lack of airflow, and are prone to break more easily.Belt motors are larger and louder than hub motors but are much more powerful and reliable. The motor itself is located on the bottom of the deck and, when powered, turns the wheels using rotating belts. Belt motors are the standard when it comes to electric skateboards. The extra weight does make boards with belt motors a bit more cumbersome and harder to do tricks.Most electric skateboard motors these days are brushless. Brushless motors involve magnetism and the technical aspects are pretty complicated to explain. This article explains them in-depth if you’re interested in learning more.WheelsElectric skateboard and longboard wheels aren’t any different than the usual kind. Most are made of firm polyurethane material. The larger the wheel, the faster and more stable the board.Skateboard wheels are able to spin thanks to ball bearings inside them. The bearings themselves are composed of several parts - like rings and steel balls - that together sit between the wheel and the axle. The smoother the bearing, the smoother the ride. Ball bearings do degrade quite easily though so they usually need to be replaced more often.Off-roading electric skateboards will need special all-terrain wheels. These are pneumatic (full of air) and made of rubber, rather than solid polyurethane. This allows the wheel to handle rugged terrain more easily.DeckThe deck is the “board” in “skateboard”. Usually, it’s a single piece made from one or more materials, like bamboo, fiberglass, or carbon fiber. The deck is then covered in grip tape to provide traction for the rider.A good skateboard deck will be firm and flexible at the same time, which will allow it to handle blunt forces without snapping. Some decks, especially those on electric longboards, are very flexible.Differently shaped decks serve different purposes. Wider, longer decks are better for speed and stability. Shorter decks are better for doing tricks. Other decks are specifically made for going down hills or carving.Linky’s deck is unique because it is actually composed of two separate pieces. This is so the board may fold in half.TrucksA skateboard’s trucks are what allow you to turn and provide the necessary suspension. When you lean on the deck, the weight is transferred to the trucks, which then turn depending on the direction of the weight.Without trucks, your board would just go straight forward no matter how you lean.Most skateboard trucks are made of metal and are composed of several different parts. A few notable components include the baseplate, axel, hanger, and kingpin.A critical component of the trucks are the bushings. These dictate how smoothly or sharply you can turn with the board. If the bushings are stiffer, turns will be less exaggerated and more steady. Looser, and you will be able to make tighter turns more quickly.Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)This component, which resembles a small motherboard, is the brain of your electric skateboard. The electronic speed controller, or ESC, manages how much power is drawn from the battery, which is then provided to the motor or brakes.A good electronic speed controller will be able to handle and distribute electricity effectively to either the wheels or brakes. A poor one will have bottleneck issues (like electric traffic jams) and will break more easily.Remote ControlThe remote control is how you make an electric skateboard accelerate and decelerate. All of them are designed to be held in your hand.Different e-boards use different kinds of remote controls. Some controllers use a joystick in order to handle acceleration and deceleration. Tilt forward and the board accelerates; tilt backward and the brakes are applied. Others use a trigger on the rear of the remote to do the same: press hard to go faster, lighter to go slower.Aside from controlling speed, some electric skateboard controllers come with extra features. For example, Linky’s remote control allows the rider to also check the battery level and select different riding modes.BrakesAn electric skateboard’s brakes are what slows it down and brings it to an eventual stop. Very important, obviously.There are three types of brakes to consider: friction, dynamic, and regenerative braking.Friction braking is the simplest and most outdated of the bunch. As the name implies, it involves applying pressure to the wheel in order to generate heat, which then slows the wheel down.Dynamic braking is similar to friction braking in that it uses heat to slow down the wheels. The difference here is that dynamic braking uses an electrical current rather than friction to generate this heat.Finally, regenerative braking is a special form of dynamic braking where heat is not dissipated via a resistor but transferred back to the battery as energy. In layman’s terms, you charge the battery when you brake.Most electric skateboards these days use regenerative braking.AccessoriesElectic skateboards come with all sorts of extra bells and whistles these days, like LED lights and more. If you want to pimp out your electric skateboard, check out all of the best accessories here.So How does an Electric Skateboard Work?To understand how all of the above works in tandem, let’s imagine we’re riding an electric skateboard now. Here’s what will happen: You place your board on the ground, prepare yourself, turn it on, and mount it (lightly of course). Some people like to test the board before riding it by giving it just a little power with the remote control. You assume the position (knees bent, ready to move) and gently push the joystick on the remote control forward. The controller sends a signal to the electronic speed controller, which then directs power to the motor(s). The motor begins to rev and the wheels begin to spin. The electric skateboard is now moving forward! The harder you push down on the joystick or trigger, the more power the motor will output and the faster you will go. As you’re riding, you’ll lean in order to turn. Put pressure on your toes to turn right and on your heels to turn left, or vice versa if you ride goofy-footed (right foot forward). The trucks influence how tightly you can turn on your board. Preparing to stop, you’ll slowly pull the joystick on the remote controller back or let up on the trigger. This signals the ESC to apply the brakes and the motor begins to taper off. Revolutions decrease, the wheels don’t spin as fast, and your board begins to slow down. Eventually, you come to stop. Dismount your board, turn it off, pick it up, and head to your next destination.  Congratulations! You just completed your first ever imaginary electric skateboard ride.Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Electric SkateboardsCan electric skateboards go up hills?Generally speaking, yes, electric skateboards can handle hills well enough. Some are just better at doing than others. The more powerful your electric skateboard motor is, the better it will be at handling inclines.Note that when we say power, we’re not referring to max speed, rather the torque. Torque is the amount of force your motor can apply per rotation and not the number of rotations it can achieve in a given timeframe. Torque is much more important than speed when it comes to handling hills, even more so when you’re off-roading with your electric skateboard as well.Are electric skateboards safe to ride?Electric skateboards are safe to ride, just so long as you know what you’re doing.Most e-board accidents happen because the rider is in over their head and has landed themself in a dangerous situation. Going too fast, having undeveloped balance, failing to turn properly, and riding in hectic environments, like busy city streets, can all be problematic for riders.The key to riding safely is knowing how to ride an electric skateboard in the first place. You need to be able to recognize danger and then avoid it. Granted, the unexpected can always happen but experienced riders are better at preventing it.Can I travel with my electric skateboard?It has become increasingly difficult to travel on an airplane with an electric skateboard in recent years. This is mostly due to increased reports of faulty or poorly-made personal mobility devices, like OneWheels, spontaneously combusting.Despite these incidents and stricter travel regulations, it is still possible to fly with your electric skateboard. We’ve done it ourselves with a Linky and lots of others have as well.The key is to know both the federal laws as well as the regulations of the airlines. If a certain company is known to ban electric skate skateboards definitively, then you probably shouldn’t fly with that company. If another is supposedly a bit more lenient then your chances are higher.To get a better idea of what it takes to travel with an electric skateboard, refer to our comprehensive article on the subject here.Are electric skateboards legal?Yes and no. It’s actually a bit complicated.The thing is: there are no laws at all governing electric skateboards at the moment, at least in the US. But that doesn’t mean you can do whatever or go wherever you want with them. In fact, the reality is quite the opposite. You see, all modes of transport need to have some sort of regulations attached before they can be used in public. This goes for bikes, cars, scooters, any and all.So because there are few if any laws for electric skateboards, they’re technically not permitted on the roads. Rather, they ought to be used only on personal property.That being said, people still ride their electric skateboards all the time in public and nothing bad happens. Doesn’t matter if they’re going to the shop for groceries or just trying to ride across campus - if you use your e-board respectively and don’t endanger anyone unnecessarily, the odds of you being harassed by the law are unlikely.Wrapping UpAlthough some of their individual components can be complicated, electric skateboards are not. They’re essentially a skateboard with a few extra bells and whistles.Never fails either: throw a battery and a motor on anything and it suddenly becomes 10x more fun to use.You don’t need to know every technical aspect of an electric skateboard in order to use it. Just that there is a battery that you need to take care of and a remote control that you need to know how to use. Nail these and you should have no problem using one.That’s it for this week’s Linky blog article. If you have further questions about how an electric skateboard or longboard works, leave a comment below and we’ll do our best to answer them.Ride easy, folks.