Turnaround in the mobility sector

When will light electric vehicles finally be allowed in Germany?

Light electrical vehicles such as e-scooters, e-skateboards and mono wheels are spreading more and more, especially in urban areas. These small and flexible personal means of transport are increasingly sighted. They have the potential to change the traffic system for the better because they are energy-efficient and low in CO2, reduce the risk of congestion on our roads and can be optimally combined with public transport for longer journeys.

However, these vehicles are still not legally regulated in Germany and therefore not allowed in traffic. So far, manufacturers have been waiting in vain for results from a recent evaluation process for the registration of light electric vehicles, which were announced to be published by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure in early 2018. Other European countries such as Sweden, Belgium, Finland and Norway have recognized the importance of innovative and sustainable mobility alternatives and introduced regulations for light electric vehicles much faster.

Experts from business and science have set an example yesterday night in Berlin that Germany should urgently follow suit. In the field of "E-Mobility", they awarded the German Innovation Award in Gold to a groundbreaking mobility concept from the company Mellow Boards - a powerful electric drive called the Mellow Drive, which can easily be mounted under any skateboard like a normal skateboard truck with just four screws. That's how easy it is to create the smallest and most flexible e-mobility solution.

"The Mellow Drive is much more than just a gadget to increase the fun factor of skateboards. When used properly, the electrified board becomes an alternative means of transportation, whether in the vicinity or as a practical last-mile solution in combination with public transport. A great innovation, which is accompanied by the useful route planner app," said the jury.

The German Innovation Award honors trendsetting products and concepts in two areas: #1: Excellence in Business to Consumer and #2: Excellence in Business to Business. Furthermore, a winner was identified in the additional category "Design Thinking". In a total of 40 categories, the jury bestowed the Gold, Winner and Special Mention awards. The products range from a bionic glove to cleaning technologies, 3D printing fibers, e-car charging stations and coffee sodas, all the way to an IoT platform.

"The recognition with the German Innovation Award confirms that the Mellow Drive meets the demand of the times we are living in. Almost every month, news about progress in the legal situation of light electric vehicles reach us from other countries. In most cases, they are now regulated like e-bikes. With a maximum speed of 25 km/*h and front and rear lights they are allowed to ride wherever bicycles are allowed. We hope that such a regulation will also be realized in Germany shortly, so that traffic will be relieved and our cities will soon be even more liveable", emphasizes Johannes Schewe, founder and CEO of Mellow Boards.

About Mellow Boards

Mellow Boards is a Hamburg based start-up providing a smart alternative for urban transportation. It all started with the dream of the Endless Ride – bringing the feeling of surfing and snowboarding to the streets. Three years of design, prototyping and fine-tuning of more than 300 custom-made individual parts followed. The result is a mountable electric skateboard drive – a high quality product for high-performance use, made in Germany. With the help of a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2015 and the cooperation with investor and production partner TQ Systems, Mellow Boards launched the final Mellow Drive in March 2017.

About the German Council

Established on the initiative of the German Bundestag (the lower house of German parliament) as a foundation in 1953, the German Design Council bestows the German Innovation Award. For the past 65 years, the foundation has pursued the goal of promoting the competitiveness of German companies.

Mellow Drive Product Video

https://youtu.be/lLWgQMvTimk

Pictures

https://www.flickr.com/photos/143790339@N08/

Further information

https://www.mellowboards.com/en/press/

List of all German Innovation Award Gold winners

http://bit.ly/GIA_presse

Press Contact

Sanna
Public Relations & Press
Email press@mellowboards.com
Mobile +49 40 882 1592-0

Mellow Boards GmbH
Budapesterstraße 49
20359 Hamburg, Germany
Website mellowboards.com