Sustainable Solutions for Overcoming Transportation and Pollution Problems in Smart Cities

Abstract

The urban transportation industry is changing rapidly. The most recognized example is cellphone-controlled shared cars or taxis. But other changes are suddenly noticeable including use of scooters, bikes, and walking. Many other changes based on cellphone reservations and billing are related to mass transit, road lanes with occupancy-related tolls, parking, and shared cars. One of the most recent additions to mobility as a service (MaaS), battery-powered scooters is the subject of this article. The objective is to have a scooter particularly suitable for more general use. More general use implies greater safety, comfort, and weather tolerance, particularly for adults over 25. The scooter to be commercialized should have 3 (or 4) wheels so balancing is not required, provide for better conditions in the rain or cold or hot, allow but not require seated use, be able to be stored in less land space, be very light based, have advanced location-based speed control for ease of use and safety, and be fun to use. Fun to use defines a secondary market; a scooter is not just for getting from A to B, but often can be sold for recreational use. This article focuses on production of such electric scooters for overcoming transportation and pollution problems in smart cities.