InnoEnergy portfolio company Swobbee is partnering with Oonee to implement municipal parking & charging networks for micromobility users in Minneapolis and Jersey City. The $3.7 million in federal funding signals a growing recognition of the role of micromobility in promoting sustainable, low-emission travel and represents a critical step forward in making micromobility a more viable transportation option for all urban residents. This award continues Swobbee’s expansion into the US market following a successful 10 month pilot in New York City with impressive user adoption metrics.

Swobbee, the European market leader in battery charging and swapping solutions for light electric vehicles, and Oonee, a provider of safe parking and charging infrastructure, have received a $3.7 million grant from the US Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. The funds will be used to build at least 20 micro-mobility parking and docking stations in Minneapolis and 10 additional stations in Jersey City, bringing the total number to 17 stations in Jersey City.

As more Americans rely on micromobility to get around and e-bikes outsell electric cars, parking and charging facilities have proven to be essential infrastructure for a growing number of people. This transformative initiative will improve access to safe, reliable, and sustainable micro-mobility infrastructure for commuters, delivery workers, and urban residents.

The grant also includes funding for New York University’s Rudin Center for Transportation Policy and Management to evaluate the programme and develop a framework of best practices that can be replicated by other cities.

The lack of public parking and charging infrastructure is a key barrier to the wider adoption of light electric vehicles. In New York City, twenty-five percent of all households have experienced bicycle theft. At the same time, uncertified batteries have caused more than 545 fires and 24 deaths since 2022, mostly due to unsafe home charging practices.

Swobbees’ 24/7 battery swapping network is designed to overcome these barriers, including high upfront costs, risk of theft and damage, safety concerns and downtime. By providing users with a reliable infrastructure, it helps to reduce transport costs and create a more inclusive urban mobility ecosystem.