The future of cities post COVID 19—smart transportation

Life post-COVID-19 will present changes in the way we eat out, go to school, work, and travel around our cities. Experts and design innovators believe that in terms of how we move, people will be more inclined than ever to move away from fossils fuels in favor of electric vehicles. The future of travel is smart transportation. For that reason, you'll want to check out our round-up on the smartest ways to move around your city post-COVID-19.

SeaBubbles The Bubble Autonomous Water Vehicle in White

The way people move around cities has already changed due to COVID-19. In some countries, it’s obligatory to wear a face mask while you take public transportation. And people everywhere are looking for ways to travel that avoids large crowds. Still, others, inspired by the cleaner air that has resulted from commuters staying home and the considerable drop in air travel, want to continue the healthy change. What is the future of smart transportation post-COVID 19? We’d like to find out.

According to Forbes, the air we breathe is now, “…startlingly cleaner which impacts our health and that of the biosphere…”. It’s a change that, “…is a herald for what is to come. It has never been clearer that we need a new, different economy backed by smart, efficient transportation networks that talk to each other.” The post further explains that shifting away from fossil fuels to electricity could usher in a permanent state of improved air quality.

Related: Future of Siri, Alexa and Google Home with open-source smart home standards

Design-wise, what could the future of transportation look like? Design students at the Royal College of Art Intelligent Mobility have some answers. Their final show was canceled this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, but Forbes looked at some of the most promising submissions. They include car technology that would help humans better accept autonomous vehicles, an autonomous family vehicle, and a six-passenger self-driving minibus.

An Autonomous Family Vehicle with a Family by Oliver Winter

A Shared Mobility Platform on a Bridge by Andy Zou

As always, the future looks like it has some exciting possibilities. And that’s why today we’re rounding up some of our favorite smart transportation projects we’ve seen recently. Whether you’re looking to avoid mass transit or switch to an electric-powered vehicle, we’ve got transportation that’s sure to inspire you.

Segway-Ninebot Air T15 Electric KickScooter

Make the switch to electric transportation with the Segway-Ninebot Air T15 Electric KickScooter. This new electric scooter is lightweight at just 22 pounds for easy navigability and portability. Best of all, this electric scooter lets you travel up to 12.4 miles per hour. You’ll feel like you’re buzzing by all the pedestrians on the sidewalk.

Halfbike 3 Compact Standing Bike

Or you could ride to work on a standing bike with the Halfbike 3 Compact Standing Bike. This little two-wheeled vehicle has proportions and an ergonomic design that make it comfortable and easy to steer. Also, this portable bike weighs just nine kilograms, so it’s easy to carry with you up and down stairs.

Onewheel Pint Mini Electric Board

Can you imagine rolling into work on a mini electric board? It’s possible with the Onewheel Pint Mini Electric Board. With its compact and lightweight design, this gadget is ideal for office commutes, trips to the coffee shop, and rides around town. The fold-out carrying handle makes the Pint easy to carry with you. And the Simplestop technology means you can ride the board right away, even if you don’t have experience.

Stator Self Balancing Electric Vehicle

The Stator Self Balancing Electric Vehicle is an example of smart transportation that will let you effortlessly travel short distances. With its self-balancing design, this eco-friendly scooter is simple to operate and suitable for all skill levels. The Stator can travel up to 25 mph and boasts a range of 20 miles. Finally, the quick-folding handlebar makes this electric vehicle easy to store and transport.

Stator Self-Balancing Electric Vehicle on a Black Background

Novus Electric Carbon Fiber Motorcycle

Keep the air clean and ride in style with the Novus Electric Carbon Fiber Motorcycle. This unique bike combines a performance motorcycle with a  compact electric bicycle. Featuring carbon fiber, the Novus is durable. It can also travel up to 60 miles per hour and cover 60 miles on a single charge. That’s pretty good mileage for an electric scooter.

Novus Electric Carbon Fiber Motorcycle

SeaBubbles The Bubble Autonomous Water Vehicle

For those who would rather stick to waterways, the SeaBubbles The Bubble Autonomous Water Vehicle is an eco-friendly way to do it. This water vehicle produces zero emissions, waves, or noise. And like a luxury vehicle, the Bubble doors open up from the side, giving riders easy access. Best of all, Bubble flies above the water once it reaches 7.5 miles per hour.

HX Urban Stabilizing Hoverboard

You could also get around by hoverboard. The HX Urban Stabilizing Hoverboard,to be exact. With Smart Assisted Stabilizing technology, this smart transportation option senses when you shift your center of stabilization. This allows you to achieve ultra-smooth, snowboard-like turns. HX Urban also has incredible power. The 250W brushless hub brings you to speeds as fast as 11mph, all while remaining stable. Best of all, the built-in LED lights let you customize your ride.

HX Urban Stabilizing Hoverboard Next to a Lake

It looks like the future of smart transportation after COVID-19 is electric. What are your thoughts? Would you roll into work on a one-wheel mini electric board? I’m thinking the Segway kickscooter looks like a pretty fun way to get around the city. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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