If you are familiar with Italy, France or Spain, one of the main features is not the buzzing bees of rural Tuscany, nor the tinkling of empty wine bottles. The tinkling sound is usually a small CC moped broiling in summer heat. The buzzing comes from teenagers throttling twist grips as traffic lights go green.
Why does the ubiquitous small moped fail to meet the requirements of urban e-delivery fleets?
The question is less about practical space and luggage capacity than you might think. Despite the incredible fuel efficiency of a petrol powered moped (3L/100Km), the market for public moped sharing and IoT based last mile delivery is low.
We argue that e-mopeds will develop a market share in time. They are a robust solution with good comfort and user ergonomics, while having more latent connectivity and carrying potential in the platform. E-cargo mopeds have seen limited adoption due to a combination of factors:
- Market Gaps: E-cargo bikes can already handle most small-to-moderate delivery needs at a lower operational cost. E-motorcycles and lightweight cars cover bulkier deliveries, making e-cargo mopeds redundant in many use cases.
- Infrastructure: Urban infrastructure often prioritizes bikes, making rideshare mopeds less appealing due to stricter regulation, parking and charging challenges.
- Fleet Standardization: Delivery fleets typically prefer either e-bikes (for cost and simplicity) or larger motorized vehicles (for payload capacity). Standardization of charging stations, the carrying capacity under the sear and more IoT connectivity within the “dashboard” and frame will add value to fleet users.
E-Moped Market Overview
E-mopeds occupy the middle ground between e-scooters and e-motorcycles. They combine some elements of both categories, offering more speed and range than e-scooters while being lighter, less powerful, yet more affordable than e-motorcycles. Here’s how they compare and what they bring to the table in rental and logistics roles:
Rental Businesses
Accessibility and Regulations:
E-mopeds generally require a driver’s license and insurance in most countries, unlike e-scooters and e-bikes. This limits their market to licensed users, familiar with motorized vehicles. For a rental business these constraints often outweigh the initial purchase price and servicing costs.
Market Potential:
Shared e-moped companies like Revel (USA) (no longer operating e-mopeds) and Felyx (Netherlands) pioneered the rental option in urban areas, targeting users seeking an efficient alternative to cars for medium-distance trips.
E-mopeds thrive in cities with moderate sprawl, where last-mile solutions alone aren’t enough, and cars are impractical due to traffic or parking constraints. They fill a gap for commuters who need faster, longer-range options than e-scooters but don’t want the bulk of a full-sized motorcycle.
Cost Efficiency:
E-mopeds cost more to maintain than e-scooters. Fleet operators face challenges managing battery swaps and vehicle wear from higher speeds and longer trips.
Logistics
Payload Capacity:
E-mopeds offer a higher payload than e-scooters, typically equipped with a small rear storage box or the capacity to attach larger containers. They are well-suited for food delivery or small parcel logistics.
Range and Speed:
E-mopeds have a range of 40-150 km and speeds of 30-50 km/h, bridging the gap between city center and suburbs.
Energy Efficiency:
Battery swapping solutions are commonly used in e-moped fleets. Companies like Gogoro in Taiwan have pioneered extensive battery-swapping networks, enabling faster turnarounds for delivery fleets.
Infrastructure Needs:
E-mopeds can handle rougher terrain than e-scooters, making them viable for suburban and even some rural deliveries. However, their reliance on motorized infrastructure (like charging stations) can limit their deployment in less connected areas.
