Estimation of possibility of applying electric buses in Kharkiv

The chief characteristics of electric buses in terms of efficiency, environmental friendliness, and convenience for passengers are analyzed. It makes it possible to speak of advantages of electric transport compared with transportation means on traditional fuels. Considering the issue of rational application of electric buses in cities, it is possible to rely on European cities’ positive experience. Ever more and more of developed countries all over the world use ecological transport in the urban transportation networks. On the example of the studied Polish cities, namely Katowice, a positive trend in the growth of electric buses application in the city’s transportation grid can be observed, which enables the authors to conclude that the city of Kharkiv alsohas a great technical potential for introducing electric buses to the city routes network. Electric buses are already starting to appear in several cities of Ukraine in the transport network, but it is necessary to increase the percentage of ecological buses, to develop certain concepts and strategies to increase this type of transport.

The hidden danger of lithium battery powered electric bicycles and scooters: A case series of the Israeli National Burn Center experience

Electric powered bicycles and scooters that use rechargeable lithium batteries are an urban transportation alternative and have become increasingly popular. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in patient admissions to the Israeli National Burn Center with burns associated with their use. In this case series of all patients (n=9) referred to the Emergency Department (February 2016 - October 2020) with lithium related battery burns from electric powered bicycles and scooters, we present burn depth, size, treatment, inhalation injuries and hospitalization. All patients were admitted to in the Israeli National Burn Center for treatment. The average total burn surface area was 27.5% (range 3-57%). All but one patient had a combination of partial to full-thickness burns affecting the upper and lower limbs. Three patients sustained inhalation injuries and a total of four patients required intubation. Seven patients required surgery that included debridement and, in most cases, skin grafting. The availability and increase in the use of battery powered bicycles and scooters may lead to an increase in injuries and death if consumers are not aware of the potential dangers related to the safe use of lithium batteries.

Finding sustainable mobility solutions for shrinking cities: the case of Toyama and Kanazawa

Purpose Shrinking population can have significant negative impacts on the social and economic fabric of a city. This paper aims to understand different urban transportation policies to respond to population decline in shrinking cities by examining two case studies of urban interventions in mid-size cities in Japan. Design/methodology/approach The paper analyzes the implementation of sustainable mobility strategies in the urban transport sector in the Japanese cities of Toyama and Kanazawa, which risk having their populations significantly reduced in the next decades. The analysis is based on case study research that uses the data and information collected through desk and field research. Interviews with local actors, as well as published policy and academic documents on the case studies provided critical data and information to analyze the case studies. Findings Both cities have tried to make urban mobility more sustainable via different strategies. Toyama used more structural changes, called the “sticks and dumplings” approach, having land use incentives and the Light Rail Transit reinforced by bus routes as the backbone of its strategy. Kanazawa relied on a city center revitalization plan to densify residential use in the city center. Practical implications More structural interventions are necessary to change the declining of shrinking cities, mitigating some of the negative effects. City administrations need to have clear policy priorities and should not allocate their limited resources to competing policy agendas. Originality/value The study is unique as it is one of the first efforts to analyze urban transportation interventions in shrinking cities in Japan.