What was once a futuristic idea is now becoming the norm. Electric vehicles have become more popular, and we are seeing an increase in its usage. From electric bikes to skateboards, the way we move in big cities and university campuses is quietly going electric.
Electric Bikes, Scooters, and Skateboards: The Future of Urban Travel
Big cities like New York City are leading the charge in adopting electric transportation options. With the convenience of dedicated bike lanes and increasing infrastructure for electric vehicles, more commuters are turning to these modern forms of transportation. Back in May of 2024, NYC’s Department of Transportation’s Commissioner, Ydanis Rodriguez, and Lyft “announced the completion of New York City’s first two grid-connected Citi Bike charging stations,” showing the publics raising usage of electric vehicles. (New York City DOT)
In neighborhoods like Flushing, Queens, the movement is growing even further with the introduction of electric scooter parking. As these parking hubs become more widespread, it's easier than ever for commuters to pick up and drop off electric scooters, making them an accessible and environmentally friendly option for urban travel.
Universities Embrace Electric Transportation
It’s not just city dwellers embracing this electric wave—college campuses are seeing a surge in electric vehicle usage as well. Universities across the country are home to a large population of students who rely on micromobility options such as bikes, scooters, and skateboards to get around. According to Carolina News and Reporter, there’s a rise of electric transportation. Campuses are seeing a shift in infrastructure and policies to support this trend, making micromobility an essential part of campus life. With sprawling campuses and tight schedules, students are opting for electric transportation to make their commutes faster and more convenient.
How Does This Affect STEM?
Incorporating STEM education, through hands-on learning like Lectec’s electric vehicle kits, not only helps students grasp fundamental concepts but also builds their confidence in applying this knowledge to real-world situations. The rise of electric transportation also leads to an increase in demand within the renewable energy industry. More jobs are going to be created, more businesses are going to focus on supporting this growth. By giving younger students a strong foundation in STEM, we’re equipping them with the skills and confidence needed for career readiness in STEM.
Research supports the idea that confidence within a field significantly impacts career outcomes. Studies show that self-efficacy—belief in one’s ability to succeed in specific tasks—plays a major role in navigating the transition from education to the workforce. In fact, higher levels of self-efficacy are linked to increased employability and job success because they foster adaptability and proactive career behaviors. (SpringerLink) Useful tools such as Lectec’s LMS, helps young minds develop the confidence to help them not only enter but thrive in competitive STEM fields, where hands-on experience and problem-solving skills are in high demand.
Lectec provides a powerful educational platform that helps students develop essential STEM skills through hands-on, project-based learning. By building electric skateboards and other electric vehicles, students engage with real-world applications of engineering, physics, and problem-solving, which are critical in today’s competitive STEM fields. This hands-on experience not only enhances understanding but also boosts confidence—key to long-term success in STEM careers. Lectec’s educational impact is measurable, with students reporting a 27% increase in confidence using tools and a 20% increase in interest in pursuing STEM careers. These results highlight how Lectec empowers students to not only grasp STEM concepts but also apply them creatively and practically, preparing them to thrive in industries where innovation and problem-solving are in high demand.
The rise in electric vehicles is reshaping how we think about transportation, particularly in urban areas. From bikes to scooters to skateboards, the transition to electric is making cities cleaner, quieter, and more accessible. As more infrastructure like scooter parking and charging stations continues to pop up in cities and on college campuses, electric vehicles are poised to become the dominant form of transportation for short-distance travel.
Whether you're a student, a commuter, or just someone who wants a faster, greener way to get around, the future of transportation is electric—and it's only just getting started. Check out our article on some of the best cities for skateboard riders.
