Pros and cons of the e-mobility boom | Studio 2 from WHYY | 07/02/26

E-bikes, e-scooters, and e-motorcycles have surged in the last decade. Advocates tout environmental benefits and affordability – especially given high gas prices. But critics argue they’re inviting chaos into our roads and sidewalks, citing rising rates of traffic accidents. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, micromobility fatalities rose from five in 2017 to 135 in 2024 and emergency department visits quadrupled in the same period. Regulation has been slow and piecemeal as leaders struggle even to define these bike-like things — where does an e-bike begin and an e-moto end? What about scooters? Some states have taken an aggressive approach – in New Jersey, new rules requiring insurance, licenses, and registration for a broad range of micromobility products will kick in this month, sparking backlash amongst riders. Today, we’re tackling a real live wire: electric micromobility and the future of our roads. Guests: – Sophia Lebowitz, reporter for Streetsblog – John Boyle, research director at the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia – Tim Kearney, Pennsylvania state senator representing the 26th District