Oonee and Swobbee: US$3.7m Micromobility Expansion
Oonee and Swobbee, key players in the micromobility sector, have been bolstered by a substantial financial boost from the US Joint Office of Energy and Transportation.
This initiative will see an injection of US$3.7m towards the enhancement of micromobility parking and charging networks within Jersey City and Minneapolis.
The funds are earmarked to support the construction of at least 20 new stations in Minneapolis and an additional 10 in Jersey City, thereby expanding the number of safe and secure parking and charging sites in these cities to 17.
Enhancing urban micromobility
The expansion of secure micromobility infrastructure is crucial for fostering the growing use of e-bikes and other lightweight electric vehicles (EVs).
A major hindrance to their adoption has been the absence of secure and reliable parking and charging facilities.
In major cities like New York, approximately 25% of households have fallen victim to bike theft, while uncertified battery charging has caused over 545 fires and resulted in 24 fatalities since 2022.
These issues impact disproportionately on working-class and minority communities, who rely on micromobility for transportation but often do not have access to secure parking facilities.
Sparking change in micromobility
Oonee, a Brooklyn-based pioneer in micromobility infrastructure, is playing a pivotal role in designing and implementing user-friendly, secure parking and charging solutions in urban areas.
Shabazz Stuart, CEO of Oonee, says: “This is a watershed moment in the fight to bring this critical green infrastructure to communities across America.
“Having a safe, convenient place to park and charge is the cornerstone of the micromobility experience and therefore should be a regular part of the urban built environment.”
Swobbee, known for leading the market in battery charging and swapping for light EVs in Europe, is set to expand its footprint in the US post a successful pilot project in New York City.
Stephan von Wolff, General Manager at Swobbee in the US, adds: “We are honoured to receive this pivotal investment and to announce our partnership with Oonee and the NYU Rudin Center.
“This initiative will demonstrate how Swobbee’s battery swapping and charging platform can serve as a blueprint for cities seeking to make micromobility safer, more affordable and accessible to all.”
Collaboration for expanded micromobility
The NYU Rudin Center for Transportation Policy and Management is set to evaluate the effectiveness of these new integrations and establish a best practices framework applicable nationwide.
Sarah M. Kaufman, Director of the NYU Rudin Center, adds: “By studying these implementations in Jersey City and Minneapolis, we’ll develop an evidence-based framework that cities across America can use to create safer, more equitable parking and charging networks.”
“Since becoming the first municipality in New Jersey to adopt Vision Zero in 2018, Jersey City has significantly expanded connectivity. With initiatives like Oonee’s 24/7 secure bike storage, expanded Citi Bike stations and Via Jersey City, our approach to sustainable transit is reducing traffic and meeting our residents’ mobility needs.”
Tim Sexton, Director of Minneapolis Public Works states: “Minneapolis is excited to partner with Oonee and Jersey City and grateful to receive this grant to expand its micromobility parking and charging network.
“Secure bike parking is critical to ensuring that residents and visitors have safe places to park and charge their vehicles.”
As cities nationwide strive to integrate sustainable and inclusive transportation solutions, this federally funded initiative is a model for enhancing micromobility infrastructure across the US.
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