From self-driving cars to high-altitude balloons that provide WiFi access to every corner of the world, Google's ambitions and investments have moved far beyond its origins as a search engine. Now, Google is using technology to tackle another major problem – city living.

Driving is a daily risk that many people take, with thousands of Americans killed in car accidents each year as a result of bad road safety. But the causes of these accidents are often entirely preventable, giving businesses an opportunity to help normalise safer driving.

The URB-E is a folding, battery-powered scooter that promises to give your commute a jolt of fun – and a few fellow pedestrians a bit of a fright. Joining the growing number of personal mobility options, with a top speed of 20 mph, that last mile of your commute really could fly by.

It’s widely assumed that pragmatic elements, like a strong job or housing market, attract people to cities – but new studies show that vibrant cultural offerings, from galleries to club nights, are the real draw. How are lesser-known cities using creative clout to attract and retain residents?