A New Kind of City — and a New Kind of Shame
Picture this: you’re behind the wheel of your SUV, alone, stuck in traffic. Except now, instead of feeling powerful, you feel... awkward. The solo driver is no longer admired — they’re pitied. Just like smoking indoors eventually became socially off-limits, single-occupancy driving is starting to feel outdated and selfish.
This shift isn’t some far-off utopia — it’s already underway. Cities are overwhelmed by cars, climate pressure is mounting, and younger generations are growing up without the same attachment to car ownership. The real luxury now? Not needing a car at all.
So What’s Taking Its Place?
Let’s talk alternatives — real ones.
eBikes, Enclosed Trikes, and UPTs (Urban Personal Transporters)
Searches for "best commuter eBike" have gone through the roof — and for good reason. These machines are efficient, fast, and way cheaper to run than a car. Companies like ENVO are making serious waves in this space. Then there are enclosed vehicles like trikes or compact EVs — great for weather protection and hauling stuff without needing a full-size car.
Want to drop your car without dropping your dignity? Look up “electric trike with roof Canada.”
Shared Mobility Is Normal Now
We’ve already embraced car-sharing, ride-hailing, and e-scooters in most major cities. But the real shift is in mindset: transportation is becoming a service, not a possession.
Transit Still Matters
Reliable subways, light rail, and bus rapid transit will always be foundational. Cities that prioritize public transportation as an essential service — not just a backup plan — are the ones that will thrive.
What’s Still Missing?
We’ve made progress — but the system still has holes. And most cities aren’t quite ready for the change.
Let’s call our future-forward city “NeoUrbania.” It’s not real yet, but it’s a model of what’s possible.
In NeoUrbania:
- Owning a car isn’t impressive. Not needing one is.
- You see e-bikes, enclosed trikes, and personal electric vehicles on every corner.
- Infrastructure — protected lanes, charging stations, smart zoning — actually supports the way people want to move.
- Solo drivers don’t get admiration. They get side-eye.
If that’s not your city yet, ask yourself: Why not?
The Barriers Holding Us Back
Bike Infrastructure Is a Joke
Many cities treat winter like it’s a surprise. Potholes, unplowed lanes, and no protection mean riding year-round just isn’t realistic for most people — yet.
Charging Is Inconvenient
We’ve got Tesla Superchargers, sure. But what about quick, simple charging for low-voltage vehicles? Your commuter ride should plug in as easily as your laptop.
Old-School Zoning Laws
We’re still designing cities like it’s the 1950s — for cars, not people. Good luck trying to build dense, walkable housing near transit. We need to scrap parking minimums and rewrite the rules.
Incentives Are Upside-Down
Right now, governments hand out rebates for $80K electric SUVs — but offer next to nothing for personal vehicles that actually reduce congestion. That’s not smart policy. That’s a missed opportunity.
The Cultural Piece: This Is Where It Gets Real
Regulations help, but real change happens when the culture shifts. If driving alone starts to feel embarrassing — like littering or using plastic bags — behavior changes fast. In NeoUrbania, the status symbol isn’t a Tesla. It’s a lifestyle that doesn’t rely on a car.
So ask yourself:
Can your city still afford your car?
Wrapping It Up
We’ve reached a tipping point. The tools for post-car urban life are already here: lightweight EVs, public transit, shared mobility. Now we need smart policies, proper infrastructure, and some cultural momentum to match.
If we want a better city tomorrow, we can’t keep clinging to yesterday’s traffic jams.
About the Author
Mitch Merker is an electric micromobility enthusiast and the Sales Lead for Dealer Networks at ENVO. With a passion for sustainable transportation and a knack for connecting with people, Mitch shares his insights and experiences through engaging blog posts and articles. He believes that electric micromobility has the power to transform our cities and towns, making them more livable, sustainable, and fun. When he's not writing about e-bikes, e-scooters, and other innovative forms of electric transport, you can find him exploring the beautiful landscapes of British Columbia on his trusty ENVO D50 e-bike.
Connect with Mitch:
Email: mitch.m@envodrive.com
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitch-merker-8607a719/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitch.merker/
