Oonee and Swobbee Secure US$3.7m to Expand Micromobility

Oonee and Swobbee have been awarded a US$3.7m federal grant by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to enhance micromobility parking and charging networks in Jersey City, NJ and Minneapolis, MN. The funding will facilitate the construction of at least 20 new stations in Minneapolis and 10 additional stations in Jersey City, expanding the existing network to 17 secure parking and charging locations in the city.

Addressing key micromobility challenges

Expanding secure micromobility infrastructure is critical to supporting the increasing adoption of e-bikes and other light EVs. A significant barrier to widespread use has been the lack of safe and reliable parking and charging facilities.

In cities like New York, 25% of households have experienced bike theft and uncertified battery charging has led to more than 545 fires and 24 fatalities since 2022. The issues disproportionately affect working-class and minority communities who rely on micromobility for transportation but often lack access to secure parking facilities.

Driving Change

Oonee, a Brooklyn-based leader in micromobility infrastructure, has been instrumental in designing and deploying user-friendly, secure parking and charging solutions in urban environments.

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, a European market leader in battery charging and swapping for light EVs, is expanding its presence in the US after a successful pilot 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.”

Academic and municipal support

The NYU Rudin Center for Transportation Policy and Management will assess the programme’s efficacy and establish a best practices framework for other cities. 

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.”

Jersey City, a pioneer in sustainable transit initiatives, welcomes the expansion.

Minneapolis officials expressed enthusiasm for the project.

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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