Urban mobility has become a hot topic in recent years, with cities across the globe searching for innovative solutions to reduce congestion and improve transportation options. At CES 2023, Circle’s Alain Deduca sat down with Marlo Anderson, the Guru of Geek, to discuss their unique solution: a city-friendly micro-car designed specifically for free-floating operators like Lime and Bird.
Circle’s micro-car is much more than just a vehicle. It’s an entire solution tailored to the needs and constraints of the companies that currently offer scooters and e-bikes in urban areas. The car has been designed with battery swapping in mind, making it independent of charging infrastructure. This makes it easy to clean and maintain, while also tracking driver behavior to prevent misuse.
Unlike traditional cars, Circle’s micro-car is not intended for highway use. Instead, it’s built for city driving, with the same ease and convenience as public transportation. Users can find and rent the car using their preferred operator’s app (such as Lime), making the process seamless and efficient.
Deployment is set to begin in Paris later this year, with expansion throughout Europe in the following year. Circle is also considering entering the US market by 2025. The micro-car can accommodate two passengers and a few bags of groceries, making it perfect for short trips or quick errands around town.
Renting a Circle micro-car will be a pay-per-use system, with initial pricing estimated at 30-35 cents per minute. This means a short five-mile ride would only cost a dollar or two. Users can park the car in any public space, just like a scooter, without worrying about recharging, insurance, or parking fees.
As cities continue to grapple with the challenges of urban mobility, Circle’s innovative micro-car could be a key part of the solution. Visit Circle’s website at circle-car.com to learn more about their game-changing approach to urban transportation.
