PALO ALTO, Calif., May 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- How can the journey to work be made more exciting, healthy, and efficient? What emerging technologies complement the human desire for mobility? Over 50 attendees of the first-ever Creative Transportation Forum explored these and other topics at the Bosch Research and Technology Center in Palo Alto, California, probing the brains behind four successful electric bike, scooter, and skateboard businesses.
The Creative Transportation Forum brought "eMobility" experts and entrepreneurs together in the form of panelists Claudia Wasko (GM, Bosch eBike Systems Americas), Sanjay Dastoor (Founder, Boosted Boards), Mike Waltman (VP of Fleet, Scoot Networks), and Ross Evans (Founder and CEO, Xtracycle). Directing the conversation and fielding audience questions was Adam Vollmer (Founder and CEO, Faraday Bicycles). Together they discussed how for every type of urban travel need, there exists a light, personal, and electric solution.
"Today's Forum is about a new trend springing up quietly in crowded, congested cities throughout the world," said Wasko, in her introduction to Forum attendees. "This trend is about people getting creative about how they can both enjoy the benefits of living in a bustling city, and still cope with the realities of scarce parking and gridlock."
The reception gave participants a first-hand taste of these electric urban transportation solutions. Test rides of various types of electric bikes and Boosted Boards generated smiles and sparked inspiration among forum attendees about the potential of these devices to improve both public health and personal mobility.
"I think the Forum was a great success in that it brought together a very diverse set of viewpoints on the challenges - and opportunities - inherent in shaking up our urban transportation paradigm," said Vollmer. "These are entrepreneurs building hard businesses in an entrenched market. I don't think anyone sugar-coated the challenges, but I still came away inspired and excited by the accomplishments and creativity - and most of all the progress - shared by the group."
"It was a great forum to discuss what's changing in urban transportation," said Sanjay Dastoor. "Attendees left with a better understanding of both the people who are part of this trend and the industry's effort to build great products for them."
About Bosch eBike Systems
Bosch eBike Systems provides a high-quality drive system for pedal-assist only eBikes. The Bosch eBike drive system consists of a drive unit (motor and transmission), a battery and a smart and intuitive cycle computer. In Europe, Bosch is already the market leader; more than 60 leading bicycle brands rely on the eBike system made by Bosch. Over 16 world-class brands are offering eBikes epowered by Bosch in the North American market. Bosch eBike Systems is a part of the international Bosch Group. Additional information is available online at www.bosch-eBike.us. Learn more by watching a video here.
About Bosch
Having established a regional presence in 1906 in North America, the Bosch Group employs some 28,700 associates in more than 100 locations, as of April 1, 2015. In 2014, Bosch generated consolidated sales of $11.3 billion in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For more information, visit www.boschusa.com, www.bosch.com.mx and www.bosch.ca.
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 375,000 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2015). According to preliminary figures, the company generated sales of more than $77 billion (70 billion euros) in 2015. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 440 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. In 2015, Bosch applied for some 5,400 patents worldwide. The Bosch Group's strategic objective is to deliver innovations for a connected life. Bosch improves quality of life worldwide with products and services that are innovative and spark enthusiasm. In short, Bosch creates technology that is "Invented for life." Learn more by watching a video here.
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SOURCE Bosch eBike Systems