Apple announced a new Apple Maps bike route feature for the company's first-party navigation app. This new feature will focus on e-bikes and routes optimized for these micro-mobility solutions, as opposed to the existing bike route feature that focuses on manual bicycles. The e-bike routes will be more intense than the traditional bicycle routes, incorporating more inclines, longer distances, and more off-road riding, which better meets the specifications of e-bikes and electric mountain bikes.
The feature will be accessible as one of the main modes of transportation on the application when selecting a destination, meaning Apple Maps will also provide estimated durations of trips catered specifically to e-bike speed limits in the region. Apple is also expected to make popular e-bike routes discoverable for users to enjoy.
Bike-Accommodating Digital Maps
Apple is Adding an E-Bike Route Feature to its Navigation App
Trend Themes
1. E-bike Route Mapping - The development of e-bike specific routes and maps for micro-mobility solutions like electric bikes presents opportunities for companies to develop new navigation software and hardware specifically tailored to these relatively new modes of transportation.
2. Off-road E-biking - The increasing interest in more intense, off-road e-biking experiences presents opportunities to produce and market more rugged, high-performance e-bikes designed for more demanding terrain and conditions.
3. E-bike Commuting - With the rise of electric bikes, there is an opportunity for urban planners to create e-bike-friendly infrastructure such as charging stations or bike lockers and for companies to offer services catering to e-bike commuting, such as shared e-bike fleets and e-bike rental services similar to bike-sharing programs.
Industry Implications
1. Navigation & Mapping - The development of e-bike route and map features present opportunities for navigation and mapping companies, as well as app developers, to create new digital technologies to meet the unique needs of e-bike riders.
2. E-bike Manufacturers - The off-road e-biking trend presents an opportunity for e-bike manufacturers to produce rugged, high-performance products tailored to the higher demands of off-road terrain.
3. Urban Planning & Transportation Services - The rise of e-bikes presents opportunities for urban planners and businesses in the transportation industry to create infrastructure and services catering to e-bike riders, such as charging stations and shared e-bike fleets.