Mobility

Lime adding electric mopeds to U.S., European cities this spring

Lime's U.S. transportation lineup will soon include mopeds.

Photo courtesy of Lime

Lime is gearing up to launch electric mopeds in cities in the U.S. and Europe this spring. This last mile transportation option is seen as key for the company as it looks to make a larger footprint in reducing trips under five miles, which according to their research, account for nearly 60 percent of all car trips in the U.S. and U.K.

"The addition of electric mopeds to our fleet of e-bikes and e-scooters is another major step in our goal of ensuring access to affordable, carbon-free shared transportation in cities around the world" said Wayne Ting, CEO of Lime. "As the first micromobility provider to offer three vehicles on one platform, we're excited to help cities and riders get moving again with safe, sustainable, and socially-distant transportation to serve any urban journey. Lime now offers a ride for any trip, at any time, in nearly any major city in the world, furthering our mission to foster people-first cities."

Lime introduces the new E-mopedwww.youtube.com

Lime has collaborated with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) to design a multi-chapter rider safety e-course. That course must be completed by anyone before they are able to take a ride on Lime's mopeds. Additionally, Lime is providing a practice guide with MSF-designed exercises that riders can use on their own to refine their riding skills and prepare themselves for various traffic situations. The guide provides step-by-step directions and tips on critical skills such as turning and emergency braking.

"As micromobility offerings diversify, and shift from cycling lanes onto busy city streets, MSF is stepping forward. MSF wants all Lime riders to be safe and have fun. We encourage them to take full advantage of Lime's training offerings, and to always wear helmets and other riding gear," said Robert Gladden, VP of training operations for MSF. "We applaud Lime's decision to include rider education and safety training in their new electric moped program."

Lime will also offer free, 45-minute in-person lessons for any rider that is interested in learning how to ride a moped. Lime notes the the lessons "will be taught by MSF-certified instructors in small class sizes and are designed to help riders get comfortable and confident with the fundamentals of riding, such as braking, turning, and parking."

The fine print for rentals reads:

"Riders must be 21 or older to ride in the US, and 18 or older in Paris. To access Lime mopeds, riders must have a valid driver's license, and take a photo of themselves to ensure it matches the driver's license photo. Riders will be unable to access a moped if the photo does not match the driver's license. Before beginning a ride, riders must also take a photo of themselves wearing a helmet, which must then be worn all times throughout a ride."

Lime e-mopeds have a top speed of 28 mph and can travel up to 87 miles on a single charge.

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The IIHS may increase the speeds it uses to test advanced driver aids.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently announced that it is considering changing the speeds it uses to test vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention systems. The agency currently tests the systems at 12 and 25 mph, but says that the speeds don't accurately represent the types of crashes the safety tech is meant to prevent.

Front crash preventionwww.youtube.com

Automatic emergency braking (AEB) is designed to notify of a possible collision and help respond with automatic application of braking. Just like a human using the brake pedal, it can stop the car, but higher speeds make it difficult to stop in time. The new tests would be conducted at 35 to 45 mph, which is the range where a large number of rear-end crashes occur. As Automotive News noted, an IIHS study showed 43 percent of rear-end crashes occur at speeds of 45 mph or less, so it's important to have a test that shows how well the tech performs at those levels.

A whopping 85 percent of 2022 vehicles earned a "Superior" rating in the current testing regime, so the IIHS will remove it from 2023 testing and Top Safety Pick award evaluations. Their view is that, since the majority of vehicles meet the criteria, it's no longer an accurate way of evaluating performance. In its place, the agency introduced a night test for automatic emergency braking systems that will begin next year.

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The new Type R set a Suzuka Circuit lap record.

Honda

The new Honda Civic somehow improves on the formula laid out by its numerous predecessors and does so with style, refinement, and value. The Civic Si built on that foundation with a potent turbocharged engine and solid handling, but Honda's not done with the Civic. The automaker just teased the new Civic Type R, and it set records at Japan's Suzuka Circuit during a recent testing session.

The All-New 2023 Type R Achieves Track Record at Suzukawww.youtube.com

The Type R lapped Suzuka Circuit in 2 minutes, 23.120 seconds, a record-breaking lap for a front-wheel drive car. The video features neat telemetry information on-screen during the lap as well, but the real excitement comes later when full specs are revealed.

Honda's been understandably mum on details on the new Type R's powertrain and performance numbers, but the car is expected to carry the same powertrain with its predecessor. The 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine made that car a force to be reckoned with, so the 2023 Civic Type R will likely continue carrying that torch.

Honda Civic Type RHonda will fully reveal the car this summer. Honda

Honda will reveal the car in all its glory this summer. As for pricing, the previous car started around $38,000, so the new model should be around there to start. That, of course, is before dealers mark it up and other lucky buyers snap them up for insane resale on an auction site.

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