Sharing vs. Subscription: Vässla sees itself confirmed by ETH scooter study

The Swedish light electric vehicle specialist Vässla has highlighted the advantages of its private subscription concept for its e-moped in connection with the recent study on the poor climate balance of shared e-scooters published by ETH Zurich. In Germany, however, the concept is currently only accessible in Berlin, with further cities planned. With the subscription of the e-moped, which is a mix of a scooter and a pedelec and offers a range of up to 40 kilometers, the gap on the "first mile", i.e., the distance between one's own front door and the nearest public transport stops, is closed in the Berlin suburbs. It thus offers a park & ride option for commuters.

As the Vässla e-moped can only be subscribed to (from 79 euros/month, 6-month term; 2nd battery and 1 month flex option) and does not stand in the public space under the free-floating principle, customers can rely on their vehicle always being exactly where they left it. As another alternative, the e-moped, which weighs about 25 kilos including the battery, is partially foldable and thus also an option for medium-distance transport on the suburban train. A study by ETH Zurich indicates that this subscription system makes the difference and strengthens the climate-friendly alliance of micromobility and public transport, the provider points out.

Commuter solution: Combine e-bike and train

Shared mobility with e-scooters is considered climate-friendly if rides replace motorized individual traffic. The researchers at ETH Zurich had stated that the mobility solution emits more CO2 than the transport means it replaces. The main reason: E-scooters under the free-floating principle still mostly replace walking or short bus/train rides in cities. On the other hand, privately owned micromobiles offer potential for CO2 reduction according to ETH Zurich. In rural areas, traffic participants often have only two options: either take the car to the next public stop or drive entirely with the car. The diverse grab & go offers found in urban areas do not exist in the countryside, the startup further explains.

"The operating area no longer matters if users do not rent the mobility tool per ride but borrow it permanently, thus becoming vehicle owners for a certain period. Rural regions can particularly benefit from this. Instead of a car ride, Vässla drivers can comfortably use the e-moped to drive to the next train or bus station," argues Vässla Germany Chief Hannes Ahbe.

As mentioned in the study, it is important to integrate shared micromobility into the entire transport system - and not offer it as an alternative to public transport. The Vässla e-moped is also intended to close the gap on the "first mile" in rural areas, Ahbe further states. He also references the saved congestion time that can be realized with the "alliance of flexible micromobility and well-timed public transport." This was also the initial spark for company founder Rickard Bröms to develop the Vässla e-moped in 2017. As a professional commuter, he was looking for an alternative to help him save time during rush hour and do something for himself and the environment.

Individual traffic with other means

The company's initial thesis is that "exclusive" traffic, especially private cars, will lose more and more significance in European cities in the future. However, this does not have to be a rejection of individual traffic. Through a subscription model, one can use their own e-moped cost-effectively without having to buy it. Once no longer needed, the subscription ends and the e-mopeds are made available to other users. The micromobility provider supplements the vehicles with an all-round service and promises to always provide fully functional means of transportation.