Blog 6: From Concept to Implementation—What Cities Could Do to Support PEB Mobility

States and cities across the globe are investing billions in electric buses, autonomous shuttles, and subway extensions—costly infrastructure projects—while potentially overlooking the most efficient transportation solution that might already be sitting in someone's hallway: the Portable Electric Bike.

As we've discussed in earlier posts, the PEB—lightweight, electric, and foldable— could enable a more efficient, inclusive urban mobility system when paired with public transit and a thoughtful MaaS platform.

But for this vision to work effectively, cities may need to do more than build bike lanes. They could actively design for PEB integration—in public spaces, in policies, and in transit systems.

Let's examine what that might mean.

1. Transit Systems Could Embrace Folded Mobility

Public transportation is the backbone of a cycle-centric MaaS system. But in many places, transit still treats folding bikes as an inconvenience.

Policy modifications cities could implement:

• Train staff to understand folding bikes may not be a hazard when folded properly
• Allow on-board rolling of folded PEBs (treated like luggage, not bicycles)
• Consider guaranteeing access for folding bikes on trains and buses at all hours—not just off-peak
• Potentially provide clearly marked zones for folded bikes on vehicles and platforms

These changes could require minimal investment—and might expand transit's reach significantly.

2. Land Use and Parking Reform

A PEB user doesn't need a garage. But they could benefit from:

• Secure indoor bike rooms in apartment buildings
• Compact lockers at train stations or park-and-rides
• Office designs that accommodate rolled bikes inside

Cities might:

• Consider requiring indoor bike access in new residential and commercial buildings
• Fund modular bike storage at mobility hubs
• Pilot folded-bike valet services at crowded stations

3. Micro-Mobility Charging and Maintenance Support

If cities want to treat PEBs as core infrastructure, they may need to support their maintenance.

This could include:

• Public charging spots in train stations, mobility hubs, and city centers (similar to phone charging stations, but for micromobility)
• Incentivizing repair stations and mobile mechanics, especially in underserved neighborhoods
• Subsidies or vouchers for low-income riders to access service plans, batteries, or replacement parts
  Think of this as the potential equivalent of gas stations and quick-lube services for small electric vehicles.

4. Safe Streets for All Wheels

This may be the most obvious requirement—but remains the most important.

A successful PEB system could depend on:

• Connected, protected bike lanes (especially near train stations and major destinations)
• Intersection redesigns that reduce conflicts with cars
• Slower speed limits on neighborhood streets
• Off-street shortcuts and low-stress corridors that make riding pleasant, not just legal
  In other words: build for people, and for all kinds of bicycles.

5. Policy Incentives for PEB Ownership

If PEBs are part of the climate, congestion, and equity solution—cities and states might treat them accordingly.

Proven policy approaches:

• Purchase incentives for PEBs, similar to EV credits (e.g., Denver's e-bike rebate program)
• Tax-free employer benefit plans (like transit passes, but for micromobility)
• Pilots that pair PEBs with free or subsidized transit passes
• Integrate PEBs into MaaS subscriptions (one payment for transit + bike + repair) Every dollar invested in this system could reduce the long-term burden of traffic, pollution, and road maintenance.

6. Education and Culture Change

New infrastructure works best when people know how to use it effectively.

Cities could:

• Fund PEB safety and maintenance workshops
• Run "try before you buy" programs for commuters or families
• Partner with community groups and employers to demonstrate everyday use PEB adoption might increase when people see themselves in the narrative—not just as athletes, but as professionals, students, parents, and seniors.

A Gradual Evolution May Need Systematic Support

If the PEB is to become a meaningful part of urban mobility—not just a boutique product for early adopters—cities may need to take ownership of the system it needs to function effectively. That could mean crossing departmental boundaries: transportation, planning, housing, sustainability, and economic development working together.

The tools exist. The policy approaches are documented. What may be missing is prioritization.

In the next post, we'll examine the economics—with a detailed look at costs: how the PEB+Transit model compares to car ownership, and why it might be the most cost- effective mobility investment an individual (or a city) can make.