This Week in Urban Mobility

Welcome to This Week in Urban Mobility, your curated digest of the most important developments shaping the future of how we move in European cities. As an industry insider, I'm passionate about cutting through the noise to bring you the news, trends, and insights that truly matter for urban mobility professionals.

1. Spiro Lands Record $100M to Power Clean Two-Wheel Mobility

Spiro Raises $100 Million in Africa’s Largest-Ever Investment in Electric Mobility

African electric mobility leader SPIRO has secured $100 million in new funding—Africa’s largest-ever investment in two-wheel electric transport—including $75 million from Afreximbank’s Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA). The funding will accelerate Spiro’s expansion of its battery-swapping network and technology platform, aiming to surpass 100,000 electric bikes by the end of 2025. Operating in six countries and rapidly growing into new markets, Spiro is leading a clean-energy transition for riders seeking affordable, locally made, and sustainable alternatives to gas-powered motorcycles. This partnership marks a milestone for the continent’s green industrialization and local manufacturing ambitions.

This massive funding is a powerful signal for the electric mobility industry and a testament to the rising confidence in Africa’s potential to lead its own sustainable transport revolution.

2. Rivian’s High-Profile E-Bike Launch Shadows Quiet Cutbacks

Rivian spinoff Also reveals a high-end modular e-bike for $4,500

Rivian’s spinoff Also revealed its first product, the TM-B — a $4,500 modular e-bike with ambitious design features and tech flair, stirring notable buzz across the sector and among industry watchers. The launch underscores a clear push into premium, flexible micromobility platforms, aiming to set new standards in utility and modularity. Yet, as enthusiasm swirled for new mobility, Rivian itself quietly announced a third round of layoffs this year, with 600 jobs cut as it focuses resources for the crucial launch of its next SUV.

The Also TM-B is turning heads and fueling plenty of conversation in my network, proving that even in a crowded space, a strong product vision still stands out.

3. Prague Joins the List: Czech Capital Bans E-Scooter Rentals

Another European city bans e-scooters

Prague will outlaw electric scooter rentals starting January 2026, responding to citizen concerns about safety and disrupted sidewalks. Deputy Mayor Zdenek Hrib highlights that shared e-scooters are often used by tourists rather than for everyday transport, and officials cite higher accident rates compared to bicycles. The newly approved regulations remove any provision for shared e-scooter services, with the city planning to encourage shared bike systems. Other European capitals, including Paris and Madrid, have also implemented bans on these rentals in recent years.

Instead of quoting Paris and Madrid, European cities should look at and learn from the growing list of European cities and operators that do make hiring schemes work.

4. The “Tesla of the Seas” Sinks: X Shore Files for Bankruptcy

Electric boat maker X Shore sinks after raising over €100m from high-profile investors

Swedish electric boat pioneer X Shore, once hailed as the “Tesla of the seas,” has declared bankruptcy after raising over €100 million from investors including SEB Venture Capital and former Northvolt CEO Peter Carlsson . Founded in 2016 by entrepreneur KONRAD BERGSTRÖM , X Shore sought to revolutionize boating with modular lithium-ion batteries and smart electric propulsion. Despite strong early hype and premium positioning, persistent supply chain issues, falling sales, and rising losses—growing from €11.6 to €19.9 million in 2023—left the company insolvent. Its 70 employees now face layoffs as the Stockholm District Court approved the bankruptcy filing.

5. Cycling to Work: The Imperfect Scheme That Still Pays Off

Imperfect cycle to work scheme worth £573M to economy, could a revision be worth more?

Mark Sutton argues that the UK’s Cycle to Work scheme, while imperfect, delivers significant economic and social returns. Each participating cyclist contributes an estimated £573 to the economy through health improvements, lower congestion, and cleaner air. Yet, the scheme struggles with limited inclusivity, complex administration, and patchy employer participation—issues that hinder its potential to become a cornerstone of active travel policy.

Sutton’s piece highlights the tension between policy design and real‑world impact, reminding us that well‑intentioned programs still need structural fixes to truly deliver on their sustainable mobility promise.