Kira Meyer, a 12-year-old South African figure skater, died after suffering a brain injury in an electric scooter accident on May 10 and was brain dead after six days in the ICU; a memorial service was planned in Pretoria.
The Consumer Electronics Expo (CES) showcased a range of innovative gadgets, and here are nine products from CES 2024 that are available for purchase or pre-order now, including the JLab JBuds Lux ANC Headphones, Garmin Lily 2 Smartwatch, Proclaim Custom-Jet Oral Health System, GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker, Nanoleaf Skylight Modular Ceiling Light, Segway E2 Pro Electric Scooter, and Anker Solix F3800 portable power station. These products cover various categories such as tech, audio, gaming, health, fitness, beauty, wellness, home, kitchen, and outdoor, offering consumers a glimpse into the future of technology.
Electric scooter maker Bird Global has filed for bankruptcy protection, marking a significant decline for a company that was once valued at $2.5 billion. The Miami-based company has a restructuring agreement in place with creditors and will be selling assets in bankruptcy. Apollo Global Management and second-lien lenders are providing $25 million in financing to support Bird during the restructuring process. Bird's shares declined over 90% within six months of going public in 2021, and it was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange in September after overstating its revenue. The company operates a short-term scooter rental business in over 350 cities, but its Canadian and European units are not part of the bankruptcy proceedings.
Electric scooter company Bird has filed for bankruptcy protection, signaling a decline in the once-promising sector of personal transportation. The company has secured $25 million in financing to continue operating and is considering a turnaround plan that may involve selling assets. Bird, which reached a billion-dollar valuation and went public in 2021, faced mounting losses and was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange in September. Other scooter start-ups, such as Micromobility.com and Tier Mobility, have also faced challenges. Bird's Canadian and European businesses are not affected by the bankruptcy filing.
Electric scooter rental pioneer Bird has filed for bankruptcy, citing financial difficulties. The company, known for its dockless electric scooters, has struggled to turn a profit amid fierce competition in the industry. Bird's bankruptcy filing comes as the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the demand for shared transportation services.
Honda has unveiled the Motocompacto, a tiny electrified version of the original Motocompo scooter from 1981. Priced at $995, it has a top speed of 15 mph, a 12-mile range, and weighs 41 pounds. The scooter can fold down to the size of a suitcase, making it convenient for last-mile transportation. It features a customizable design and is suitable for riders aged 14 and above. The Motocompacto is currently available only in the US, but Honda is considering expanding its availability to other countries.
Honda has opened orders for its Motocompacto electric scooter in the US, priced at $995. The Motocompacto is a modern-day homage to the classic Honda Motocompo motorcycle from the 1980s and is designed for urban transportation and last-mile commuting. With a small powertrain and a top speed of 15 mph, it offers a range of up to 12 miles. The scooter features a folding design, on-board storage, a digital speedometer, and a phone app for personal settings. Orders can be placed online or at local Honda or Acura dealerships, with additional taxes and fees likely.
A man riding an electric scooter was killed in a fatal crash near a Highway 85 offramp in San Jose. This marks the 28th fatal crash and the 29th traffic-related death in the city in 2023. The driver involved in the crash is cooperating with the police, and morning traffic was expected to be affected in the area.
A family in Bryan, Texas, was displaced after their home caught fire, suspected to be caused by an electric scooter battery. No injuries were reported, but the family had to break a window to escape. The adjacent duplex was unaffected, and the American Red Cross is providing assistance. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the home suffered smoke damage.
BMW has introduced the CE 02, an electric scooter that blurs the line between scooters and motorcycles. With a futuristic design, the CE 02 features a maximum of 15 horsepower, 41 pound-feet of torque, and a range of 56 miles. It has a curb weight of 291 pounds and offers two driving modes, with an optional Highline package for faster charging. The CE 02 aims to provide a cool and practical urban mobility solution for city dwellers, with pricing starting at $7,599 in the United States.
Mercedes-Benz has launched the Mercedes-AMG E-Scooter, an updated version of its existing electric scooter, designed in partnership with Micro Mobility Systems. The 500 W electric scooter is aimed at urban commuters and features a 500 W motor, 200 mm wheels, adjustable suspension, and up to 40 km (~25 miles) of range. The Mercedes-AMG E-Scooter has two riding modes, Sport and Eco, and is priced at €1,399.90, €200 more than the original Mercedes-Benz E-Scooter.
Jeremy Renner, who suffered a near-fatal snowplow accident resulting in more than thirty broken bones and several orthopedic injuries, has made a miraculous recovery and was recently seen driving an electric scooter with his family. The Hawkeye star has also apologized for the accident, admitting it was his fault. Renner has been undergoing therapy and training to regain his strength and will soon be back on our screens with his new show, Rennervations.
Chinese customs have seized 84 solid-state drives (SSDs) hidden in an electric scooter at the Guangdong-Macau “Qingmao” checkpoint. The unnamed individual had hidden the NVMe SSDs in a hollow space in the front section of the Yadea KS electric scooter. This attempt shows the ingenuity of the smugglers who quickly adapted to miniaturization of the PC components.