The use of personal mobility vehicles (PMVs), such as electric bicycles and scooters, is transforming urban transport and the way employees commute to work. In the workplace, adopting this trend not only promotes more sustainable mobility but also improves employees’ quality of life by offering clean and efficient transport options.
For companies, integrating charging stations and parking for PMVs is no longer optional: it is a strategic step within sustainable mobility plans. These infrastructures not only optimize safety and order in the workplace but also reinforce the commitment to innovation and the environment.
What are personal mobility vehicle charging stations?
Personal mobility vehicle charging stations are infrastructures specially designed to provide secure points where workers can park and charge their PMVs. These stations stand out by integrating advanced solutions that optimize their functionality and sustainability.
The main function of these stations is to provide clean energy to recharge electric bicycles, scooters, and other personal mobility vehicles, while also offering a safe and orderly space to park them, reducing risks and preventing disorder in the workplace.
Conventional stations vs. innovative solutions
While conventional stations are often limited to basic functionalities, solutions like those from Solum incorporate cutting-edge technology such as solar panels, ergonomic design, and advanced security systems, optimizing their usefulness and contribution to sustainability.
Benefits of charging stations for workers and companies
Charging stations offer numerous benefits that directly impact the daily routines of those using personal mobility vehicles. Here are the key advantages for workers:
- Comfort and accessibility: They allow workers to charge their PMVs during work hours, eliminating concerns about battery range.
- Guaranteed safety: PMVs are protected in designated areas through systems such as smart locks and stainless steel chains, which are part of the stations and ensure robust protection against theft and damage.
- Promotion of sustainable mobility: They facilitate the shift to cleaner and more responsible transport options.
For companies, these stations represent strategic advantages such as:
- Increased productivity: Employees benefit from reliable transport that reduces stress and logistical concerns.
- Space optimization: Charging stations for PMVs require less space than traditional parking lots.
- Sustainable commitment: They reinforce the corporate image by aligning business strategy with environmental responsibility practices.
Sustainable benefits of integrating charging stations for PMVs
Integrating charging stations for personal mobility vehicles in a workplace significantly contributes to meeting a company’s sustainable mobility plan.
- Reduction of carbon footprint: Technologies like Solum’s Arena solar flooring allow for the generation of clean, renewable energy to power PMVs.
- Compliance with environmental regulations: Many companies take advantage of tax incentives for adopting sustainable solutions, supported by European regulations such as the Business Sustainability Reporting Directive (Consilium), which requires large companies and SMEs to report their environmental impact to promote transparency and responsible investment.
- Another key measure is the Net Zero Emissions Industry Law from the Green Deal Industrial Plan (Commission), which encourages the use of clean technologies with tax incentives for companies committed to sustainability. These regulations not only promote environmental responsibility but also offer tax and financial benefits to companies implementing sustainable solutions, aligning with the objectives of the European Green Deal.
- Modern and responsible corporate image: Adopting sustainable mobility technologies improves public perception and strengthens business leadership in sustainability.
Public initiatives promoting PMV use
Governments are playing a crucial role in the adoption of personal mobility vehicles by creating exclusive lanes, implementing tax incentive policies, and promoting educational campaigns. These measures aim to facilitate the use of electric scooters and bicycles, promoting cleaner and more efficient mobility.
In Spain, the MOVES III program, managed by the Institute for Diversification and Energy Saving (IDAE), offers financial assistance for the purchase of electric vehicles and the installation of charging infrastructures. This program not only incentivizes individuals but also companies, allowing organizations collaborating with solutions like Solum’s stations to benefit from these subsidies.
These initiatives align with the sustainability goals of the 2030 Safe, Sustainable, and Connected Mobility Strategy of the Ministry of Transport, Mobility, and Urban Agenda, which fosters a transition to more responsible and sustainable mobility models.
Security for workers and companies: A priority
Security is essential when implementing charging stations for personal mobility vehicles.
- Risk prevention: Advanced stations, like those from Solum, are designed with overload and short-circuit protection systems, significantly reducing the risk of fires. These solutions comply with regulations such as ITC-BT-52, which governs the safety of electric vehicle charging installations. Additionally, they include devices to prevent power surges, ensuring the safety of both the infrastructure and the connected vehicles. These features guarantee reliable and safe operation in any workplace environment.
- Robust and anti-vandalism design: Ensures long-term durability and functionality in intensive work environments.
- International standards certification: Advanced charging stations comply with strict international safety standards, such as the CE (European Conformity), ensuring the product meets EU safety, health, and environmental regulations.
More reasons to invest in PMVs in companies
In addition to the benefits already mentioned, investing in personal mobility vehicles in the workplace can:
- Increase job satisfaction: Employees value companies that offer modern and practical solutions to improve their quality of life.
- Strengthen employer branding: Installing charging stations projects an innovative image, attracting new talent who want to work for organizations committed to sustainability.
- Meet ESG goals: Sustainable mobility initiatives can be part of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies, which are crucial for attracting conscious investors and customers.
How to implement a sustainable mobility plan with charging stations for PMVs
Key steps:
- Needs assessment:
- Identify the proportion of employees using personal mobility vehicles through mobility surveys, such as those offered by Ciclogreen.
- Analyze the available space in the workplace.
- Technology selection:
- Choose stations that use solar energy.
- Incorporate digital tools to manage the efficient use of the stations.
- Efficient installation:
- Implement modular solutions to minimize disruptions to daily operations.
Success story: Mapfre station
In September 2024, Mapfre, one of Spain’s leading insurance companies, took an important step towards sustainable mobility at its Mallorca headquarters by partnering with Solum to install a charging station for scooters and electric bicycles. This decision came in response to the increasing number of personal mobility vehicles (PMVs) being parked disorderly on-site, causing inconveniences for both employees and visitors.
With the installation of the charging station, Mapfre has provided its workers with a secure and functional place to park and charge their electric scooters and bicycles. This change not only guarantees vehicle protection from theft and damage but also optimizes the use of the building’s common spaces, keeping them free and organized.
This success story demonstrates how innovative solutions, like Solum’s charging stations, can solve daily challenges in the workplace, benefiting both employees and the corporate space. Since its implementation, the stations recorded more than 200 recharges in one month, demonstrating the effectiveness of this solution.
Adopting charging stations for personal mobility vehicles not only improves mobility in the workplace but also reinforces companies’ commitment to sustainability and innovation. Solum and Ciclogreen work together as strategic allies, offering solutions that integrate security, efficiency, and sustainable design to promote cleaner and more responsible mobility in companies.
Incorporating these stations into your company is an investment that benefits both workers and the environment. At Solum, we are driving cleaner and more responsible urban mobility.
How do you think sustainable mobility could improve in your workplace? Share your opinion or tell us what ideas you have to encourage the use of personal mobility vehicles in your daily life. We’d love to hear from you!
