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The Micromobility Podcast

The Micromobility Podcast

256 episodes — Page 1 of 6

The Business of Shared Micromobility Is Finally Working - Tobias W. Balchen, CEO of RYDE

May 25, 202651 min

How LYFT Built One of the World’s Largest Bikeshare Networks - Caroline Samponaro, VP Lyft

May 18, 202654 min

Swiss Inventor Behind Today’s Scooter Boom Is Doing It Again With Microcars

May 11, 20261h 2m

Talking Everything Micromobility with Kevin Talbot - Managing Partner, Relay Ventures

May 4, 20261h 0m

What’s Driving Shared Micromobility Growth in Chicago? with David Powe, Asst. Commissioner - CDOT

Apr 27, 20261h 1m

Understanding Micromobility Insurance with Brandon Schuh, Senior VP & Head of Specialty Insurance, Christensen Group Insurance

Apr 20, 202656 min

Why Some Cities Win at Micromobility with Karen Vancluysen, Secretary General of POLIS

Apr 13, 20261h 6m

Charging As A Service with Marcus Adolfsson, CEO of Standab

Apr 6, 202644 min

Ep 248How Veo Built a Profitable Shared Micromobility Company with Candice Xie, Co-founder and CEO of Veo

In this episode of the Micromobility Podcast, Prabin Joel Jones sits down with Candice Xie, Co-founder and CEO of Veo, to explore how a company that raised just $16 million built one of the only genuinely EBIT-positive shared micromobility businesses in the United States.Candice walks through Veo's journey from a garage in Chicago to over $50 million in revenue, covering the decision to build their own hardware, why starting on university campuses was the right call, and what operational discipline actually looks like in a business this hard to make profitable. The conversation also covers Veo's expanding vehicle lineup, the thinking behind keeping field operations in-house, and how they won the largest exclusive micromobility contract in the United States with Denver this year.Topics covered:• Raising less and building more• Hardware, accessibility and the case for a broader vehicle lineup• The campus-first market entry strategy• How Veo reached EBIT profitability• Why in-house operations matter more than most operators admit• The Denver exclusive contract and long-term city partnerships• What comes next for Veo in North America and beyond

Mar 30, 202649 min

Ep 247Bikeshare 101 with Kristian Brink, CEO of Urban Sharing - Part 2

In this episode of the Micromobility Podcast, Prabin Joel Jones speaks with Kristian Brink, CEO of Urban Sharing about how bike share is evolving from rapid expansion to smarter, more sustainable operations.From rebuilding Urban Sharing after COVID to unpacking global trends across Europe and Latin America, this conversation explores what is actually driving the next phase of micromobility.In this episode:Why software is becoming the backbone of bike shareThe shift from growth to operational efficiencyMadrid vs Berlin and what policy means for operatorsWhere global bike share is really growingHow AI and better tools will shape the futureWhy hardware innovation still lagsListen now for a clear view of where the industry is headed.

Mar 25, 202651 min

Ep 246Building Zeus Scooters and Acquiring Superpedestrian with Damian Young, Founder & CEO

In this episode of the Micromobility Podcast, Damian Young, Founder and CEO of Zeus Scooters, joins the show to discuss the company’s journey from launching in smaller European cities to acquiring the assets of Superpedestrian.Zeus took a different path from many micromobility operators. Instead of chasing mega-cities and raising massive venture rounds, the company focused on smaller markets, built its own three-wheel scooter design, and maintained strict financial discipline.Now, with the acquisition of Superpedestrian’s assets, Zeus is entering a new phase of scale.The conversation covers the strategic thinking behind operating in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, how unit economics actually work in micromobility, why “rides per day” can be a misleading metric, and what the future of consolidation in the industry might look like.Damian also shares lessons from building through one of the toughest cycles the micromobility industry has seen.Topics covered• The founding story of Zeus Scooters• Why Zeus focused on smaller cities instead of mega markets• The strategy behind three-wheel shared scooters• Unit economics and price optimization in micromobility• EBITDA vs EBIT and profitability in the sector• Why many micromobility companies failed• The hidden impact of insurance costs• Acquiring Swings, Zipp, and Superpedestrian assets• What the next phase of consolidation could look like

Mar 16, 202659 min

Ep 245ALSO - Rivian's Big Bet on Micromobility with Chris Yu, Co-founder & President of ALSO

On this week’s Micromobility Podcast, Prabin Joel Jones sits down with Chris Yu, Co-Founder and President of ALSO, the Rivian spin-off bringing a fresh wave of ambition into micromobility.Chris explains why ALSO was created, why Rivian saw an opportunity beyond cars, and why the company believes smaller electric vehicles will play a central role in the future of transportation. They dive into ALSO’s new products, including the TMB e-bike and TMQ pedal quad, and unpack the thinking behind the company’s vertically integrated, software-defined approach.The conversation covers DreamRide pedal-by-wire technology, custom motors, battery safety, modular design, predictive maintenance, distribution strategy, and why Chris believes micromobility is far from a saturated market.They also discuss urban transformation, mode shift, quick commerce, and why Chris sees a massive global opportunity across both consumer and commercial vehicles.Topics covered:Why Rivian launched ALSOThe meaning behind the ALSO nameWhy “small is inevitable”The TMB e-bike and TMQ pedal quadDreamRide pedal-by-wire technologyWhy ALSO built its own motors, battery system, display, and software stackPredictive maintenance and EV-style diagnosticsDirect-to-consumer vs retail distributionEurope vs US market opportunityA message for founders still building in micromobility

Mar 9, 202652 min

Ep 244Micromobility in London with Will Norman

In this episode of the Micromobility Podcast, host Prabin Joel Jones (CEO, Micromobility Industries) sits down with Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, to unpack how one of the world’s biggest cities is reshaping its streets for people.Will explains why his job title exists in the first place, and why the real mission is bigger than bike lanes: making streets safer, integrating micromobility with the Tube and buses, and keeping London competitive as a global city.What you’ll hear in this conversation- How London went from ~90 km to 400+ km of cycleways and what it actually takes to deliver change at city scale- The “recipe” Will credits for progress: political courage, funding, technical expertise, campaigning communities, and data- Why the biggest barrier to mode shift is still safety and what London is doing under Vision Zero- The impact of 20 mph zones, safer street design, and London’s Direct Vision Standard for trucks- Why London still can’t properly regulate dockless shared bikes (and what’s changing with new legislation)- The truth about shared e-bikes in London: it’s not just the number of bikes, it’s where they are and how they’re managed- The governance challenge of London’s many boroughs, and why “border cut-offs” for shared bikes can be dangerous- Why shared e-scooters haven’t scaled like e-bikes (yet), and what needs to happen next- What’s coming in micromobility: cargo bikes, new form factors, and future-proof regulation- Will’s message to city officials worldwide trying to drive similar change: be brave, stay positive, prove it with data, and bring communities with youWe also get into why cities like Paris and Brussels are pushing London to move faster, and why that global competition is healthy.

Mar 2, 202652 min

Ep 243Past, Present, and Future of Micromobility with Kersten Heineke, McKinsey

In this episode of the Micromobility Podcast, Prabin Joel Jones, CEO of Micromobility Industries, sits down with Kersten Heineke, Partner and Co-Lead at the McKinsey Center for Future Mobility, to explore the past, present, and future of micromobility.The conversation traces the evolution of the industry from the early scooter boom years of 2018 and 2019 to today’s more disciplined, operations-focused market. They discuss how the shift from growth at all costs to profitability reshaped shared micromobility, including improvements in vehicle durability, total cost of ownership, battery swapping, and city collaboration through tenders and fleet caps.Kersten explains how McKinsey modeled the total addressable market for micromobility and what the projected 340 billion dollar opportunity by 2030 really represents. The discussion goes beyond scooters and bikes to include microcars, quadricycles, and new urban form factors that could unlock additional car trip replacement.The episode also explores why navigation remains a challenge for micromobility users, whether operators should rethink their business models, and how platforms like Uber, Bolt, and Lyft approach micromobility differently.Looking ahead, the conversation turns to autonomy. Will robotaxis lead to smaller, purpose-built urban vehicles? Could autonomous fleets reshape the role of micromobility in cities? And what does this mean for founders, investors, and policymakers building the next decade of urban mobility?Topics covered:• The shift from land-grab expansion to operational discipline• How vehicle design and TCO changed the economics of scooters• Fleet caps, tenders, and city regulation• The 340B micromobility market opportunity• Microcars and new vehicle categories• Platform strategy in mobility• The intersection of micromobility and autonomous vehiclesArticles referenced in the episode:1. https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-micromobility2. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/automotive-and-assembly/our-insights/spotlight-on-mobility-trends#section-header-53. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/automotive-and-assembly/our-insights/the-two-wheeled-commute-micromobility-and-your-future

Feb 23, 202656 min

Ep 242Talking Tier, SPIN and Mobility with Philip Reinckens, ex-CEO of SPIN

What did the micromobility “gold rush” actually feel like from the inside—and what lessons still matter in 2026?In this episode of the Micromobility Podcast, host Prabin Joel Jones sits down with Philip Reinckens (ex-CEO of SPIN, early employee at TIER, involved in the Nextbike and SPIN deals, and part of the SPIN → Bird acquisition). Philip shares a candid, operator’s view of what went right, what went wrong, and what the industry still misunderstands.We unpack:- The early days of TIER and the 2019 expansion playbook (including launching multiple German cities on day one)- Why micromobility scaled so fast—and how much of it was execution vs hardware luck- COVID, in-house ops, and how operational decisions changed the trajectory- The “charging network” thesis (why it didn’t take off then, and why it might return now)- Why many investors cooled on the sector: hardware, ops intensity, vandalism, and city complexity- Europe vs the US: pricing vs utilization, seasonality, and the “joyrider” dynamic- The SPIN turnaround: cutting burn, upgrading fleets, and shifting culture to operations- The logic behind the Nextbike acquisition—and why integrations are harder than they look- Philip’s 2026 take: micromobility is an operations game, and “the right vehicle in the right place at the right time” beats everything else- What he’d do differently today with AI-lean org design🎟️ Micromobility Europe is coming to Berlin — 2–3 June. Early bird tickets are on sale now at micromobility.io.

Feb 16, 202651 min

Ep 241How Cities Can Make Shared Mobility Affordable with Erdem Ovacik

In this episode of the Micromobility Podcast, Prabin Joel Jones (CEO, Micromobility Industries) sits down with Erdem Ovacik, Co-founder of Donkey Republic (the iconic orange bikes across Copenhagen, Antwerp, and beyond) and now Co-founder of Impact Market / MIMA (Mobility Impact Market).Erdem’s thesis is simple and radical: cities already subsidize public transport heavily, but new mobility is expected to survive on user fees alone. The result is predictable - services become expensive, availability suffers, and mode shift stalls. Impact Market proposes a new model: impact procurement that pays operators per high-value trip, essentially a reverse congestion charge where the public rewards the trips it wants more of.We go deep on how this works in practice: where budgets can come from (transport, infrastructure avoidance, preventive health, climate funds), how “open house” contracting differs from traditional tenders, how to measure social ROI fast, and how to prevent fraud or price-gouging. We also explore autonomous vehicles, why Europe is cautious, and how smart incentives can push AVs toward pooling and first/last mile public transit integration rather than adding “empty miles” and more congestion.What you’ll learnWhy many city mobility tenders are failingHow trip incentives can unlock affordability + availabilityHow to measure mode shift and social ROI in a pilotHow to prevent abuse (competition + price conditions + audits)Why Paris is a leading example (bike lanes, leasing, carpool incentives)How AVs could help public transit (or create mayhem) depending on incentives

Feb 9, 202645 min

Ep 240Microcars and New Urban Form Factors with Horace Dediu

Click here to watch a video of this episode. In this episode of the Micromobility Podcast, Horace Dediu, Co-Founder of Micromobility Industries joins Prabin Joel Jones to explore the rise of new urban vehicle form factors and why microcars may be the next major shift in city mobility.The conversation starts with a simple question: why did cars never evolve into a true urban form factor the way trains did with trams and metros, or aviation did with short haul and long haul aircraft? Horace argues the modern car is an accident of history, shaped by rural origins, highway assumptions, and regulations that have reinforced size and weight over decades.From there, the episode dives into what is changing now. Microcars like the Citroen Ami, Microlino, and other light quadricycle style vehicles are gaining traction in European cities, helped by urban constraints, new parking models, and the economics of shorter trips. The discussion also covers how autonomy could accelerate smaller vehicles, why taxi fleets tend to push toward fit for purpose designs, and what Apple’s real ambition in autonomy may have been: owning the in-vehicle human machine interface.Finally, the episode zooms out to policy. Microcars often sit inside legacy categories that were never designed for electric, connected, software-defined vehicles. If cities and regulators want smaller vehicles to scale, infrastructure and classification need to evolve with them.Topics covered:Why the car is not an urban vehicle, and how history shaped today’s form factorMicrocars in Europe and the rise of quadricyclesWhy regulation and safety requirements pushed cars to growAutonomy, fleet economics, and why robotaxis may drive smaller vehiclesApple’s potential role in autonomous microcars and the in-vehicle interfaceWhy the phone may remain the dominant in-vehicle screenParking and infrastructure as the real lever for adoptionWhy cities need new categories for micro mobility and microcars🎟️ Micromobility Europe 2026Berlin | June 2–3🎟️ Micromobility America 2026San Francisco | November 11–12Tickets & speakers: www. micromobility.io

Jan 26, 202657 min

Ep 239Micromobility Founder Turned VC: Building, Scaling, and Investing in Europe - Thijn Van Helvoirt

Thijn built CHECK when everyone else in micromobility was chasing growth at any cost. While competitors burned capital, CHECK focused on unit economics, density, and operational discipline and reached profitability early.Now, as a VC at No Such Ventures, Thijn backs founders across mobility, energy, and European tech. In this episode, we talk about what he learned as an operator, what most founders still get wrong, and how he evaluates companies today.This episode covers:- Why most micromobility strategies fail in practice- What founders misunderstand about scale, density, and service areas- How CHECK made unpopular decisions that actually worked- Capital efficiency vs headcount inflation- The real state of micromobility funding going into 2026- What VCs actually mean when they say “traction”- Where the real opportunities are in micromobility today- How to build in Europe without pretending it’s the USIf you’re building, investing, or operating in micromobility, this episode is about reality, not decks.🎟️ Micromobility Europe 2026Berlin | June 2–3Tickets & speakers: micromobility.io

Dec 22, 202559 min

Ep 238100 Million Rides: Building Dott the Right Way - Henri Moissinac, Co-Founder & CEO Dott

In this episode of The Micromobility Podcast, Prabin Joel Jones sits down with Henri Moissinac, Co-Founder & CEO of Dott, to unpack how the company scaled into one of the world’s leading shared micromobility operators, now approaching 100 million rides per year and operating across 400+ cities.Henri shares lessons from Facebook, Uber, and eBay, and breaks down how timing, product-market fit, hardware cycles, machine learning, and relentless user focus shaped Dott’s trajectory.If you’re building in mobility, logistics, SaaS, hardware, or consumer apps, this is a masterclass in scaling a complex, operationally heavy business the right way.Key Takeaways:- Dott scaled by prioritizing survival and timing over hyper growth.- Product market fit and timing matter more than speed.- Micromobility is now a cash flow business, not just a VC story.- Hardware cycles are essential with about 20% of the fleet renewed each year.- New hardware improves margins through more rides per swap and lower costs.- Machine learning drives demand forecasting, fleet placement and operational efficiency.- Parking is the biggest user friction and a major unlock for the coming years.- Hardware innovation continues with improvements in batteries, tires, comfort and reliability.- Local operations require local models rather than a single global approach.- Increasing rides per user per month is a key growth driver.- Talking to users frequently is a superpower for product insight.- Do not overestimate the short term and do not underestimate the long term.- Consolidation will continue but the industry will not collapse into one global player.- Great founders stay obsessed, communicate clearly and focus on the user.🎧 Hosted by: Prabin Joel Jones📍 Presented by: Micromobility Industries🌐 Learn more: https://micromobility.io

Dec 15, 20251h 6m

Ep 237The Untold Story of SWING With San Kim

In this founder focused episode, Prabin sits down with San Kim, Founder and CEO of SWING, one of the few profitable micromobility companies in the world and one of the most underestimated operators in the industry.SWING scaled from a tiny team with less than 1 million dollars in initial capital to more than 100,000 vehicles, more than 64 million dollars in yearly revenue, and profitability from year one. San shares, in rare detail:How SWING became profitable from day oneWhy Korean culture helped them achieve five year vehicle lifespansThe hidden math behind franchise successHow SWING kept HQ costs extremely low while growing fastWhy shared scooters collapsed in KoreaHow SWING pivoted into subscription, motorcycle leasing, shuttle software, and roboticsWhy a global micromobility merger is extremely difficultHis long term vision: micromobility to roboticsThis is one of the most transparent and insightful founder conversations in mobility. It is packed with real numbers, failures, pivots, and future bets.🎧 Hosted by: Prabin Joel Jones📍 Presented by: Micromobility Industries🌐 Learn more: https://micromobility.io🎟️ Micromobility Europe 2026 will take place in Berlin - get your tickets at www.micromobility.io.

Nov 24, 202555 min

Ep 236Back to Micromobility Basics with Horace Dediu, Co-Founder Micromobility Industries

Welcome back to the Micromobility Podcast! In this special episode, host Prabin Joel Jones sits down with Horace Dediu, the OG host of the show and co-founder of Micromobility Industries, who coined the term "micromobility" back in 2018.Seven years after the first episode of the Micromobility Podcast where Horace introduced micromobility as vehicles under 500kg, Horace reflects on how the industry has evolved, what he got right, what surprised him, and why he believes micromobility will ultimately win over automobility. From Paris to Helsinki, cities are transforming—and the revolution is happening beneath the radar.Key Topics:The original definition of micromobility and why it still mattersHow COVID, capital swings, and regulation shaped the industryWhy women riders are the key indicator of successThe "Jobs to Be Done" framework applied to mobilityParis, London, and Brussels: Case studies in urban transformationWhy persistence and patience matter more than hypeUpcoming Event: Micromobility Europe - Berlin, June 2-3, 2025 Get tickets at micromobility.ioConnect:Follow the Micromobility PodcastVisit micromobility.io for more resourcesKey Talking Points & Takeaways1. The Definition Still HoldsMicromobility = vehicles under 500kg (excludes cars, includes everything from skateboards to L6E microcars)The weight limit was chosen to deliberately exclude cars while allowing innovationAlternative definitions: "negative space around the car" or "vehicles that lean into corners"2. The Pendulum Has SwungThe industry experienced extreme cyclicality: capital enthusiasm → depression → recoveryCOVID, regulation changes, and political shifts created volatilityDespite media silence, micromobility is thriving at the local level3. Watch the OutliersWomen, children, and elderly users are key indicators of healthy ecosystem adoptionHorace sees women with children on scooters, elderly couples on e-bikes—signs of mainstream acceptanceFood delivery workers enabled by two-wheelers represent utility validation4. Cities Are TransformingParis (Rue de Rivoli), London, Brussels (Grand Place), and small European towns show dramatic changeCars are being slowly pushed back through parking restrictions, speed limits (30 km/h), and congestion charging"As parking goes, so goes the car"5. Jobs to Be Done FrameworkPeople don't travel to minimize cost—they travel to meet lovers, help parents, get educationMicromobility enables higher trip frequency with lower friction than carsPotential for "surfing" in physical space: spontaneous redirection and discovery6. The Long Game"To survive is to win" - persistence matters more than growthSmall, undercapitalized companies have disruption advantageBe hungry for profit, patient for growthSubstance and customer focus beat hype7. Non-Consumption OpportunityMicromobility can unlock mobility for billions without motorized transportSimilar to how bicycles unleashed mobility 120+ years ago in wealthy countriesElectric drive accelerates this potential globally

Nov 17, 202556 min

Ep 235The Yulu Story: How Amit Gupta Built India’s Largest Shared Micromobility Company

Amit Gupta, Co-Founder & CEO of Yulu, joins Prabin Joel Jones on the Micromobility Podcast to share how Yulu became India’s largest shared electric vehicle platform and one of the few micromobility companies worldwide to achieve EBITDA profitability.From surviving the toughest years in mobility to building a battery-swapping network and scaling a fleet of 50,000+ vehicles, Amit walks through Yulu’s incredible journey and why EBIT profitability is key to unlocking non-dilutive growth capital and scaling to 1 million EVs.We cover Yulu’s early pivots, partnership with Bajaj, the rise of gig mobility in India, COVID resilience, and the company’s vision to become the “AWS of Mobility.”Talking PointsHow Amit Gupta went from co-founding InMobi, India’s first profitable unicorn, to launching YuluThe early days of shared bicycles and Yulu’s pivot to electric vehiclesWhy India’s traffic and infrastructure made Yulu’s design choices uniqueSurviving COVID and finding product-market fit through delivery use casesHow Yulu built a battery swapping network with 99.9% uptimeWhy profitability is the key to unlocking “infinite capital”Scaling from 50,000 to 1 million EVs and beyondLessons for founders on balancing growth and profitability in emerging markets🎧 Hosted by: Prabin Joel Jones📍 Presented by: Micromobility Industries🌐 Learn more: https://micromobility.io🎟️ Micromobility Europe 2026 will take place in Berlin - get your tickets at www.micromobility.io.

Nov 10, 202558 min

Ep 234How James Symes Built a 70K Member Kids’ Bike Subscription Business

Bike Club CEO & Founder James Symes joins host Prabin Joel Jones to share how a side hustle renting kids’ bikes turned into one of Europe’s fastest-growing mobility subscription companies. From maxed-out credit cards and home deliveries to 70,000 members across the UK and Germany, James breaks down Bike Club’s business model, lessons from scaling, the realities of profitability, and why circularity works when done right.Bike Club founder and CEO James Symes shares the remarkable journey of turning a weekend side hustle into a leading subscription platform for children’s bikes - now serving 70,000 members across the UK and Germany.In this candid conversation with Prabin Joel Jones, host of the Micromobility Podcast, James talks about:Founding Bike Club while working full-time at KPMGBuilding an MVP on Squarespace and personally delivering bikes across EnglandGrowing through the challenges of fundraising, supply chain, and profitabilityExpanding to Germany and Spain — and what he learned from shutting Spain downHow circular economy principles really work in practiceWhy Bike Club could one day merge with companies like Swapfiets or DanceThe future of kids’ bike subscriptions, cashflow profitability, and the path to 100,000 members🎟️ Micromobility Europe 2026 will take place in Berlin - get your tickets at micromobility.io

Nov 3, 202559 min

Ep 233Micromobility in Brussels: Inside the City’s Bold Mobility Evolution with Martin Lefrancq

Brussels has been one of the most progressive European cities in embracing shared mobility, bike lanes, and urban redesign. In this episode, Prabin Joel Jones, CEO of Micromobility Industries & Mayten, sits down with Martin Lefrancq, New Mobility Policy Advisor at Brussels Mobility, to unpack how the Belgian capital went from free-floating chaos to a model for thoughtful regulation, multimodality, and behavior change.We explore Brussels’ early micromobility boom, the evolution of regulations, the pedestrianization of the city center, tensions with public transport, the new licensing framework, and what the future of urban transport might look like by 2030.Key TakeawaysBrussels was one of the first cities to regulate shared mobility back in 2018.The city built 40 km of new bike lanes during COVID, permanently reshaping streets.Shared scooters once hit 25,000 units - now capped under a structured tender.The pedestrian zone near Grand Place became one of Europe’s largest.“Mobility Changers” proved behavior change is possible with the right incentives.New debate: Should cities tax or support shared micromobility operators?By 2030, micromobility will be a permanent part of Brussels’ transport mix.Micromobility America 2026 is set for Jan 14–15 at San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts. Get your tickets at www.micromobility.io

Oct 12, 202558 min

Ep 232Launching a Micromobility Startup at 75 - Wolfgang Ziebart, Founder & CEO of XYTE Mobility

At 75, legendary auto exec Dr. Wolfgang Ziebart is launching a brand-new micromobility category with the XYTE ONE. It is a three-wheel, tilting, seat-belted urban vehicle that blends car-like safety with motorcycle agility. Guest host Horace Dediu digs into design choices, safety, performance, go-to-market, and why this product could unlock a new class of riders, especially safety-conscious non-riders.Host: Horace Dediu, Co-Founder, Micromobility IndustriesGuest: Dr. Wolfgang Ziebart (BMW board alum, led Jaguar I-PACE program, founder of XYTE Mobility)What you’ll learn- Why cars don’t fit cities, and how a 790 mm-wide vehicle changes traffic and parking- How car-grade crash principles (belt, space frame, side protection) work in a motorcycle-sized footprint- Why no doors and a tilting front end matter for stability, wind, and cost- Key specs: 19 kW (~25 hp), 0–50 km/h in 2.7 s, top speed ~109 km/h, ABS, tilt-lock at stops- Weather and comfort: tall glass windscreen with wiper, convertible-like airflow- Storage: ~70 L (carry-on, beer crate, even a violin case)- Price target: €12,900 in Germany (ex-VAT ~€10.7k)- Launch plan: city by city in Europe with local service- Lessons from the BMW C1 and why this time is different- Bootstrapping vs VC and scaling sustainablyMicromobility America 2026 is set for Jan 14–15 at San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts. Get your tickets at www.micromobility.io

Sep 22, 20251h 7m

Ep 231Fireside Chat With Fredrik Hjelm, Co-Founder & CEO - Voi

What’s Next for Voi? Fireside Chat with CEO Fredrik Hjelm | Micromobility Europe 2025In this in-depth fireside chat, Fredrik Hjelm, Co-Founder & CEO of Voi, joins Tech.eu’s Robin Wauters live at Micromobility Europe 2025 to reflect on Voi's 7-year journey from the chaotic early days of scooter wars to becoming a profitable, semi-public micromobility leader operating in 110+ cities across Europe.Fredrik opens up about:Losing and then regaining Paris and why it mattersNavigating the shift from hypergrowth to profitabilityRaising public debt and preparing for a future IPOWhy circularity, not just sustainability, is key to Voi’s 2035 net-zero goalsBuilding a “full stack” mobility company across hardware, software, data, and operationsHow Voi is leveraging AI to drive internal efficiency and improve rider behaviorWith candid insights on regulation, safety, competition, and investor expectations, this is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of urban mobility.🎤 Speakers:Fredrik Hjelm, CEO & Co-Founder, VoiRobin Wauters, Founder, Tech.eu & ProfoundoRecorded at Micromobility Europe 2025 in Brussels👉 Subscribe for more from Micromobility Europe📧 Get the top stories in micromobility each week: https://micromobility.substack.comCheck more at www.micromobility.ioChapters00:00 The Early Days of Voi02:17 Winning Paris: A Milestone for Voi05:29 Focus and Profitability: The Path to Success08:31 Competition in the Micro-Mobility Space11:21 Navigating Investor Relations and Funding14:27 Safety First: Evolving Perspectives in Micro-Mobility17:15 Influencing Policy and Regulatory Frameworks20:14 Sustainability Goals: Aiming for Net Zero by 203523:12 The Role of AI in Micro-Mobility26:06 Future of Mobility: Trends and Predictions

Jul 28, 202540 min

Ep 230Fireside Chat With Stewart Lyons, Co-CEO Bird and SPIN

In this candid fireside chat from Micromobility Europe 2025 in Brussels, Stewart Lyons, Co-CEO of Bird and Spin, sits down with James Gross, Co-Founder of Micromobility Industries, for a wide-ranging conversation on the past, present, and future of shared mobility.Topics covered include:- Bird's journey through bankruptcy and its turnaround strategy- Why "rides" are the ultimate health metric for shared mobility- What went wrong with the early Bird playbook—and how Bird Canada did it differently- The state of the Canadian micromobility market (and why Toronto is still scooter-less)- Consolidation, regulation, and who wins the race for market share- Hardware innovation, e-bike dominance, and what's next for Bird/Spin- The real role of Uber, Lyft, and Waymo in the mobility ecosystem- Is Bird still the "Kleenex" of micromobility?🚲 Stewart shares hard-won lessons, future ambitions, and why Bird believes the best is yet to come.Recorded live at Micromobility Europe 2025 — the premier event for light electric vehicles and future urban transportation.Learn more at www.micromobility.io

Jul 21, 202535 min

Ep 229Micromobility CEO's Roundtable - Bird, Voi and Tier-Dott

At Micromobility Europe 2025 in Brussels, TechCrunch senior reporter Rebecca Bellan sits down with three of the industry’s most influential CEOs to unpack where shared e-scooters and e-bikes are heading next.Panel:- Michael Wahinushi - Co-CEO, Bird/Spin- Fredrik Hjelm - Co-Founder & CEO, Voi- Henri Moissinac - Co-Founder & CEO, Tier-DottThey unpack the current state and future of micromobility, with sharp insights into:- The shift from hype to profitability and disciplined growth- M&A: Who is acquiring Bolt's Micromobility Business? - Why AI is transforming fleet operations and user experience- Commuter adoption trends in North America and Europe- The real safety issues cities must solve (hint: it's not scooters)- How infrastructure and policy decisions shape adoption- Why short-term RFPs hurt long-term investment- The future of hardware, form factors, and consolidationA deep, no-spin conversation about what it really takes to build sustainable micromobility at scale.Subcribe to the Micromobility Newsletter: https://micromobility.substack.com/

Jul 17, 202549 min

Ep 228Fireside Chat With Maxim Romain, Co-Founder and President Tier-Dott

In this firesidechat from Micromobility Europe 2025, Maxim, the president and co-founder of Tier-Dott, shares his journey into the micromobility sector, discussing the evolution of bike sharing, the lessons learned from his experience with Ofo, and the strategic decisions that led to the formation of TierDot. He emphasizes the importance of a conservative growth approach, the challenges and synergies of the recent merger with Tier, and the critical role of hardware in the business. Maxim also addresses sustainability, pricing strategies, and the future of micro mobility, highlighting the need for better parking infrastructure and the potential for significant market growth.Guest: Maxim Romain, Co-Founder & President, Tier-DottHost: Prabin Joel Jones, CEO, Micromobility IndustriesChapters00:00 Introduction to Micro Mobility and Personal Journey04:56 Lessons from Ofo and the Birth of TierDot09:42 Strategic Growth: The Slow and Steady Approach14:35 The Merger: Challenges and Opportunities19:51 Hardware Decisions: Building vs. Sourcing24:38 Sustainability and Fleet Management29:01 Market Dynamics: Pricing and User Adoption33:50 Future of Micro Mobility: Trends and Predictions

Jul 10, 202542 min

Ep 227How VanMoof Is Making a Comeback After Bankruptcy - With Co-CEO Eliott Wertheimer

In this episode of the Micromobility Podcast, host Prabin Joel Jones sits down with Eliott Wertheimer, co-CEO of VanMoof, to explore the bold journey of reviving one of the world’s most recognized e-bike brands. Eliott shares his unique transition from aerospace engineering to the fast-paced world of micromobility, and the intense process behind acquiring VanMoof after its bankruptcy. The conversation dives deep into rebuilding trust with the community, improving product reliability, and making strategic shifts from direct-to-consumer to hybrid retail models.Discover how the new VanMoof is focused on transparency, design excellence, and local retail support to lead the next wave of sustainable urban transportation.Topics Covered:Eliott’s background in aerospace & transition to e-bikesThe decision to acquire VanMoof after its collapseCommunity trust & brand rebuildingChallenges in engineering & product reliabilityShifting sales strategy: DTC vs retailFuture of micromobility & urban transportation

Jun 28, 20251h 0m

Ep 226How Pony’s CEO Paul-Adrien Turned Riders Into Investors

In this episode of the Micromobility Podcast, host Prabin Joel Jones sits down with Paul-Adrien Cormerais, CEO and founder of Pony, the French micromobility company redefining shared transportation. From his early days as a quant in London to launching a hardware-driven, community-funded mobility startup, Paul-Adrien shares the bold decisions behind Pony’s growth, including their pioneering Adopt-a-Pony model that lets everyday riders invest in the fleet.We dive into:Why Pony avoided traditional VC routes and built a rider-funded modelThe challenges (and near disasters) of building hardware in-houseHow e-scooters transformed user growth overnightThe future of micromobility margins, manufacturing, and market consolidationWhy Europe’s small cities might be the real growth frontier

Jun 12, 20251h 9m

Ep 225Bird’s Comeback Story: Inside the Turnaround with Co-CEO Michael Washinushi

What happens when one of the biggest names in micromobility files for bankruptcy? In this exclusive interview, Bird Co-CEO Michael Washinushi joins host Prabin Joel Jones to break down the company’s dramatic turnaround. From Chapter 11 restructuring to a bold shift in strategy, discover how Bird is rebuilding its position as a leader in sustainable urban transportation.Learn how Michael transitioned from CFO to CEO during a crisis, retained critical city permits, cut operational costs, and set Bird on a new path toward growth. Whether you're in mobility, startups, or urban tech, this conversation is packed with insights on leadership, financial strategy, and navigating tough times.👉 Topics covered:Bird’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy and recovery strategyLeadership transition: CFO to CEOMicromobility business models and revenue optimizationCultural overhaul and operational efficiencyThird-party vehicles and hardware strategyThe future of shared electric scooters and urban mobility📍 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more interviews on micromobility, sustainability, and innovation in urban transport.00:00 The Birth of Bird: Revolutionizing Urban Mobility01:40 Michael's Journey: From CFO to CEO05:13 Navigating Challenges: The Turnaround Strategy08:34 Cultural Overhaul: Post-Bankruptcy Bird11:58 Motivating the Team: Retention and Transparency15:29 Revenue Resilience: Strategies During Bankruptcy18:49 Tough Decisions: Streamlining Operations22:31 Building Brand Loyalty in Micro Mobility25:50 Metrics that Matter: Revenue and Customer Retention29:43 Understanding User Price Sensitivity32:18 Post-Bankruptcy Metrics and Surprises34:56 Strategies for Reducing G&A Costs39:24 Hardware Strategy and Market Positioning44:21 Geographical Expansion and Market Focus48:43 Future of Shared Micro Mobility

Jun 2, 202555 min

Ep 22480K E-Scooters and Profitable - Inside RYDE’s Winning Micromobility Formula

In this episode of the Micromobility Podcast, host Prabin Joel Jones speaks with Tobias W. Balchen, CEO of RYDE, discusses the journey of the company from its founding in Norway to becoming the largest operator in the Nordic micromobility market. He shares insights on the business model, profitability strategies, pricing dynamics, operational challenges, and the importance of software development and customer experience. TakeawaysRide is the largest operator in the Nordics with over 80,000 e-scooters.The company has focused on profitability from day one, avoiding heavy reliance on venture capital.Ride's in-house operating model contributes to quality service and cost management.The lifespan of e-scooters has increased significantly, impacting unit economics positively.Pricing strategies are crucial, with a focus on affordability to attract users.Seasonal adjustments are necessary, with operations varying by city and weather conditions.Software development is key to enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.Regulatory compliance is a significant challenge in the micro mobility industry.Ride is exploring in-house hardware development while currently using off-the-shelf solutions.The future of shared micromobility looks promising with potential for large operators to emerge.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ride and Its Journey01:57 Founding Story and Business Model04:04 Growth and Expansion in the Nordic Market06:32 Profitability and Cost Management Strategies09:12 Operational Challenges and Seasonal Adjustments11:23 Unit Economics and Asset Lifespan13:36 Technology and Software Development16:00 User Experience and Customer Loyalty18:16 Regulatory Environment and City Partnerships20:27 Future of Shared Micromobility22:35 Conclusion and Vision for the Future

May 27, 202549 min

Ep 223Bikeshare 101 with Kristian Brink, CEO of Urban Sharing

In this episode of the Micro Mobility Podcast, host Prabin Joel Jones speaks with Kristian Brink, CEO of Urban Sharing, about the evolution and future of bike share systems. They discuss the history of bike share, the transition from station-based to dockless systems, the impact of technology, and the various business models that sustain these services. The conversation also touches on the profitability of bike share systems, the tender processes involved, and the ecosystem of providers. Looking ahead, they explore future trends in micro mobility, including the integration of e-bikes and IoT technology.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Micro Mobility Podcast03:12 The Evolution of Bike Share Systems06:15 Generational Changes in Bike Share09:01 The Impact of Technology on Bike Share12:06 Station-Based vs. Dockless Bike Share14:58 Business Models of Bike Share Systems18:07 Tender Processes and City Sponsorship21:05 Profitability in Bike Share Operations24:09 Challenges and Future of Bike Share31:38 The Evolution of Bike Share Systems36:16 Understanding Unit Economics in Bike Share44:04 The Ecosystem of Bike Share51:15 Future Trends in Bike Share Technology

May 13, 202551 min

Ep 222Micromobility in Europe

Leading up to Micromobility Europe, James Gross talks about the state of micromobility in Europe with Prabin Joel Jones, Founder and CEO of Mayten, along with Augustin Friedel, Senior Manager, MHP – A Porsche Company, who is sharing his personal views on the podcast. Topics Discussed: Shared and Owned Micromobility Prabin takes us through the Tier and Dott merger: Tier/Dott deal Background of the deal What the deal is Challenges in merging Where can they go from here What does this mean for the industry? Augustin predicts continued consolidation in the shared mobility space, with potential mergers or acquisitions among companies like Bold, Lime, and Voi. Prabin critiques Bolt's strategy and their future as the next Uber. Augustin also spoke about the struggles of owned ebike companies and the shift towards software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and AVs to enhance customer experience and safety. Software Defined Vehicles, AI and Regulation Augustin elaborates on Europe's position on AVs, noting a lag compared to the US and China due to a lack of investment and no existing tech giants. The potential for software-defined vehicles to improve user experience and safety, but recognizing Europe's fragmented approach to AVs and mobility tech. How government and local authorities could play a more significant role in advancing AVs and shared mobility through funding and regulatory support. Augustin speculates about Europe's potential to catch up in the AV space by pooling resources from major automotive players and focusing on local mobility solutions. Safety is discussed as a primary concern for micromobility users, with different European cities showing varying degrees of progress in creating safe infrastructure for cyclists and scooter users. Despite the challenges faced by shared mobility and AVs, there's optimism about the future, with emphasis on the need for innovation, better regulation, and strategic investments. The discussion concludes with a call for continued exploration and improvement in the mobility space, acknowledging the long journey ahead but recognizing the opportunities for impactful change. Trends to watch: - Software-Defined Vehicles and Artificial Intelligence - The Role of Government in Mobility Investments and Regulation - Safety and Infrastructure

Mar 18, 20241h 11m

Ep 221Horace Dediu: Is Apple Done With Mobility?

Apple is reportedly exiting the car industry, focusing instead on software and mobility services. The company's decision is driven by the challenges and complexities of the automotive industry, including high costs, long product cycles, and difficulty in making significant contributions. Apple's future in mobility may lie in micromobility and smart accessories for vehicles. 🚗 Apple's decision to exit the car industry is not surprising given the challenges and complexities associated with building and selling cars. The company's strengths lie in software and user experience, which may be better applied to mobility services and smart accessories for vehicles.📱 The smartphone is already a powerful tool in the car, with features like Apple CarPlay allowing users to integrate their phone's apps and functions into the vehicle's infotainment system. Apple's focus on privacy and AI could enhance the smartphone's capabilities and create unique mobility experiences.💡 Apple's decision to pivot away from the car industry and explore opportunities in micromobility aligns with the broader trend of urbanization and the growing demand for sustainable transportation options. By focusing on smaller, more agile vehicles, Apple can address the needs of urban dwellers and contribute to the future of mobility.

Mar 6, 202456 min

Ep 220The State of the Micromobility Review Market

On this episode of Ride On!, we are talking with Tyson Roehrkasse, the Chief Reviewer at our sister company, Ride Review. Tyson has been with us now for around 4 months and comes from a tremendous background in electric bike reviews, with the majority of his time spent working with Electric Bike Review, the OG of the ebike review space. Highlights: - 🚲 Reviews play a crucial role in the success of small electrical vehicles, with online reviews impacting pre-orders, investments, and revenue.- 🛵 The importance of local dealers and retailers in providing better customer experience and service for e-bike buyers.- 🌐 The rise of influencers in the scooter and one-wheel market, focusing on lifestyle and fun rather than technical attributes and formal reviews. We also use this episode to make some announcements around Ride AI, a platform covering all the technology that moves us. We have started with a newsletter, you can subscribe at http://rideai.org, and very soon we will be launching a Ride AI podcast with Ed Neidemeyer who has tirelessly covered the AV and vehicle tech landscape for over 15 years now. Finally, as part of the new launch, we will also be announcing our Ride AI Conference in Costa Mesa, CA the week of November 11th which will also coincide with Micromobility America. So big news there is a new event Ride AI highlighting all the technology that moves us with our first ever event along with Micromobility America moving from the Bay Area to Southern California. Why Southern California? On top of the being the largest market in the United States for small electric vehicles we also think it represents the renaissance happening in the hard tech world both as it relates to AI and mobility. SoCal is home to incredible mobility history like Hughes AirForce Base, the first west coast refineries from Rockefeller and now home to SpaceX and many startups looking to change the way we move. We hope you buy tickets and join us at the event, go to Micromobility.io to learn more about it.

Feb 26, 202454 min

Ep 219The History of the US Bike Business with Arnold Kamler, CEO of Kent International

Arnold Kamler, CEO of Kent International, discusses the evolution of his family's three generations of the bicycle business from its inception in 1906 to the present day. The journey includes the transition from retail to wholesale, adapting to market trends like racing and mountain bikes, overcoming challenges during the financial crisis and COVID-19, manufacturing in the US, moving it to Europe, then to Chin and then back to the US all the while remaining resilient in a dynamic industry that has now gone electric.Timeline: 🚴 1906: Arnold's grandfather arrives in the U.S. and opens up his first bike shop in the Lower East Side. 🛠️ Early 1920s: The family moves the business to New Jersey. 📈 1947: Post-WWII, Arnold's father shifts the business from retail to wholesale. 🌎 1950s-60s: The company adapts to changing markets, beginning to import bikes from Europe and then Asia. 🏁 1970s: Kent International experiences a boom with the popularity of racing/road bikes, starting in California. 🚵‍♂️ 1990s: The company adapts to the mountain bike craze and faces the challenges of globalization and competition from China. 💸 2008: The financial crisis impacts the business, leading to strategic pricing and inventory adjustments. 🌐 2010s: Kent International focuses on e-commerce and begins exploring the electric bike market. 📉 2020-21: The COVID-19 pandemic causes a surge and then a sudden drop in demand, impacting inventory management. 🌿 Present Day: Kent International remains a resilient player in the bicycle industry, adapting to current market trends and consumer needs.Other Highlights: 🌍 Global Expansion: Kent International's strategic shift to importing and later manufacturing in China. 🚀 Growth: Significant growth in the 1970s, reaching new heights in the 2000s with major retail partnerships. 🛠️ Manufacturing Innovations: Experimentation with different bike designs and materials, adapting to changing consumer preferences. 🛍️ Retail Shifts: Adjusting strategies to cope with the rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales. 🚲 Industry Trends: Continuous adaptation to industry trends like electric bikes and changing consumer habits.

Jan 3, 20241h 32m

Ep 218Bird Goes Bankrupt. What Company Will Blink Next?

Rerun: This episode was originally aired on 22 December 2023.In an emergency podcast episode of Ride On!, James Gross and guest Prabin Joel Jones discuss the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of Bird, one of the high flying shared micromobility companies over the last 5 years.. They delve into the financial challenges and strategic missteps of Bird and other companies in the shared micromobility space, considering the broader implications for the industry. They then turn their attention to how you could build a shared micromobility company today and the opportunities that are now present as capital and some of the existing industry heads for the exit.

Dec 22, 20231h 5m

Ep 217The Story of Upway and Their Plan to Help You Sell or Buy a Used Electric Bike

Oliver Bruce is back for this episode! Upway is an innovative company in the e-bike marketplace, specializing in the refurbishment and resale of electric bikes. Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Paris, France, Upway has made significant strides in the e-bike industry. Toussaint Wattinne, the CEO and co-founder of Upway, along with co-founder Stéphane Ficaja, have backgrounds in leading roles at Uber Eats, bringing their expertise in tech-driven business models to the e-bike industry. The company is notable for refurbishing and certifying a vast array of electric bikes, offering customers a wide selection of over 400 brands. As of March 2023, Upway had refurbished and certified more than 20,000 electric bikes, showcasing its commitment to providing quality and sustainable transportation options.The company has successfully expanded its services beyond France, with availability in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States. This expansion is a testament to the growing demand for sustainable and affordable mobility solutions. Upway's approach to e-bike sales centers around a seamless ordering and delivery process, ensuring that the bikes and their batteries are of high quality and safe for use. This business model has attracted notable investors like Sequoia Capital, Global Founders Capital, Exor Seeds, and Origins, contributing to Upway's impressive total funding of $60.6 million.Highlights🚲 Upway, a company specializing in selling refurbished electric bikes, has successfully raised over $30 million in Series B funding.🌍 Founded in 2021 and based in Paris, Upway has expanded to Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States.🔄 They have refurbished over 20,000 electric bikes from more than 400 brands, offering up to 35% discount compared to new bikes.🛠️ Upway's business model focuses on rebuilding trust in the used ebike market by refurbishing bikes to a high standard and offering a one-year warranty.📈 Despite initial skepticism, the market demand for used ebikes has been strong, with Upway receiving high customer satisfaction ratings.🤝 Upway collaborates with over 1500 retailers and ebike dealers, using trading software for customer trade-ins and managing returns for D2C manufacturers.📊 The business mix varies by region, with a significant portion of sourcing in Europe coming from dealers, while in the US, direct consumer purchases and manufacturer returns play a larger role.

Dec 20, 202355 min

Ep 216Melvin Lian of Voro Motors discusses moving to Los Angeles after Singapore shut down his business

Melvin Lian is the Founder and CEO of @VoroMotors. He discusses his company's journey, from its beginnings in Singapore to its current base in Los Angeles. Melvin detailed the challenges he faced in Singapore, including strict regulations that culminated in an overnight ban on scooters. Melvin also talks about the company's innovations in seated scooters, its distribution of Kaboo and Dualtron scooters, as well as its own EMOVE line of vehicles. Highlights- 🛴 Melvin Lim, founder and CEO of Voro Motors, explained how the firm began in Singapore due to the city's need for convenient and portable e-scooters. - ⚖️ He explained the various laws in Singapore that gradually constrained scooter usage, leading to an unexpected overnight ban on scooters in 2019.- 🖊️ Following this, Melvin made the decision to move operations to Los Angeles where he believed the desire for e-scooter use was increasing.- 🚀 In L.A. they primarily sold their own models, the Emove Cruiser and the Emove Touring, however consumer demand led to them also distributing dula motor scooters by other brands like Kaboo and Dualtron.- 🌍 Despite the challenges from strict regulations and sudden changes in operating environments, Voro Motors has successfully adapted and grown, serving different customer bases with varied products.

Dec 14, 202336 min

Ep 215Sharing the Road with Robots w/ Ed Niedermeyer and Waymo

With more Americans dying in car crashes than at any point since the 1970s, the data increasingly shows robotaxis make cities safe for micromobility. Edward Niedermeyer talks to @Waymo about how AVs can help eliminate the dangers of human driving, at Micromobility America 2024.Highlights🚗 The panel discusses the progress and ongoing evolution of road sharing in San Francisco, noting the city's move towards being more cyclist-friendly.👥 The guests all share their individual experiences as cyclists around San Francisco, highlighting the importance of infrastructure and social norms for cyclist safety. 🌆 Each panelist emphasizes the variability of driving conditions between different cities, such as the contrast between Phoenix's car-centric suburbs and San Francisco's diverse road users. 💻 Team members from Waymo explain their roles in automating driving tasks that we often do subconsciously, such as perceiving our surroundings and planning our route.- 🤖 Edward Niedermeyer notes that robots are not entitled to anything. Instead, autonomous vehicles must respect human needs and find their space in society.🚙 The discussion addresses the shift from Waymo operating primarily in Phoenix to its activities in San Francisco, while noting their strong track record so far.🚴‍♂️ The panelists stress the need for autonomous vehicles to have hyper-awareness of their surroundings, particularly in relation to vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians.

Dec 6, 202337 min

Ep 214FDNY, CPSC, USDOT: Electric Bike/Scooter Batteries, Fires, Deliveries and Safety: What Are the Real Issues?

At Micromobility America 2023, policymakers and fire-safety experts discuss why li-ion batteries in ebikes and scooters are suddenly catching on fire and how cities can minimize the risk - Panelists include Tristan Brown, Deputy Administrator of the Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA), Jason Levine, the Executive Director of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and Laura Kavanagh, the FDNY Fire Commissioner.- The discussion focuses on the challenges and safety concerns related to lithium-ion batteries in micromobility vehicles, particularly in densely populated areas like New York City.- Commissioner Kavanagh highlights the unique challenges faced by the FDNY in a delivery-intensive city like New York, including issues with battery charging and swapping- Deputy Administrator Brown emphasizes that the problem extends beyond micromobility and is related to the misuse of batteries in general.- The discussion also touches on the underground economy surrounding battery charging, DIY conversion kits and the need for safety regulations and certifications.- The panelists express the importance of public safety and innovation coexisting and working towards safe solutions.

Nov 21, 202346 min

Ep 213Solé Bicycles from College Fixie in the Dorm Room to their New Electric Lineup

Fresh off Micromobility America, James Gross talks with Jimmy Standley, the Co-Founder and CEO of Solé Bicycles. Solé Bicycles was founded in 2009, with the initial concept being a class project to create affordable bicycles, specifically aiming for a price tag of $200-$300. They subsequently won an Alibaba business plan competition, and used the $25,000 grant won to create their first product. They sold their products directly to customers, offering a high-quality product at a competitive price. They used the Shopify platform early on, and utilized digital marketing strategies on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to grow their business. The brand focuses on being relevant culturally, collaborating with various DJs and other artists for special products and promotions.Highlights🎓 The idea for Solé Bicycles began as a college business plan project to create affordable fixed-gear bikes.💡 Winning a business plan competition sponsored by Alibaba, they received a $25,000 grant to start their business.🌍 Initial struggles included direct dealings with manufacturers in China and rapidly scaling the business.📈 The company's focus on vibrant, artistic designs helped them break into the market and attract customers.🚲 Solé Bicycles diversified into direct-to-consumer sales, online marketing, and various collaborations.💻 Early adoption of Shopify and leveraging social media platforms like Instagram played a key role in their growth.🛠️ Future plans include expanding into electric bikes while maintaining their core in acoustic bikes.

Nov 17, 202337 min

Ep 212Swifty Scooters: Micromobility America Startup Award Winners and Their Newest Scooter, the G500

Meet Jason and Camilla Iftakhar of Swifty Scooters. Swifty Scooters is an innovative micromobility company that specilizes in foldable and portable scooters for adults. James Gross talks with Jason and Camila about winning the Startup Awards at Micromobility America 2023 and their brand new electric Scooter, the G500. You can see their Startup Awards pitch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRKQrqI04mM Highlights of the Talk🔋 Swifty Scooters are powered by a LFP (lithium ferrophosphate) battery that can cover a range of 25km and assure the rider that these batteries won't catch fire in or around their home or work. 🏙️ These scooters are ideal for adults commuting in urban areas.🛴 Convenient features such as adjustable handlebars, low center of gravity and a kickstand enhance maneuverability and add ons for paneers and other storage capabilities.💦 Mudguards are added to keep the ride clean.🎒 Thanks to their foldable design, these scooters are portable and easy to store.

Nov 7, 202356 min

Ep 211Lectric and Levi Conlow: The Largest Electric Bike Company in the USA

At Micromobility America, James Gross and Levi Conlow, CEO of Electric Bikes, discuss the company's rapid growth to become the #1 ebike seller in the US. He also shared insights into the ebike market, Lectric's DTC strategy, plans for new products, and the need for industry regulation while also being concern with some of the current legislation being pushed.🚲 Lectric sells over 150,000 electric vehicles annually, that is more than any US vehicle company besides Tesla📈 Despite industry downturn, Lectric still seeing double digit growth⚙️ Focused on high quality, low cost bikes rather than maximizing margins🛒 Committed to DTC as it provides valuable customer feedback🆕 Excited about upcoming partnerships and new wider wheelbase models🤝 Sees need for more industry regulation to protect consumers🫂 With influence comes responsibility - brands can drive positive change

Nov 3, 202323 min

Ep 210Meet Ryvid's CEO, Dong Tran and Their New Electric Motorcycle Being Built out of Their California HQ

Ryvid's CEO, Dong Tran, discusses the advancements and goals of the company in building electric motorcycles at their California HQ. He emphasizes local manufacturing, funding from the state of California, and innovative design techniques that allow for easier production and assembly. Tran also highlights the importance of shifting public perception about two-wheel transportation and the potential benefits of electric bikes in urban commuting.Highlights📍 Ryvid is currently based in California, having moved into a new R&D facility in Orange County. They've also secured bigger facilities for ramped-up production and retail in Hawaiian Gardens.💰 Ryvid secured a $20 million grant from the state of California, emphasizing local manufacturing and job creation.🛠 Dong shares a unique folding metal technique for constructing their motorcycles, which simplifies the assembly process and reduces labor requirements.🌍 While many companies are looking to offshore manufacturing, Ryvid and similar companies are reshoring, emphasizing the importance of local production and job creation in the US.🚲 The "Anthem" motorcycle's design aims to bridge the gap between traditional motorcycles and electric bikes. The goal is to simplify operation, eliminating barriers like manual shifting.🏙 The ideal use case for the "Anthem" is urban commuting, even though it's built to keep up with highway traffic speeds when necessary. The focus is on affordable EV transportation for shorter, urban commutes.🏍️ The company designed its product to handle speeds of 45-75 mph safely, ensuring consumer protection.🚘 Motorcycles can be a solution to modern infrastructure challenges, especially in congested areas like Southern California.⚡ The trend with electric vehicles is moving towards smaller, more efficient designs, with some motorcycles achieving an efficiency of about 60 watt per mile.🏙️ The company's motorcycle is designed to fit both urban and higher-speed road environments.🔧 The challenge with modified e-bikes is they aren't built to handle higher speeds, leading to breakdowns and safety concerns.📜 Licensing requirements and insurance concerns are barriers to widespread adoption, but education on safe riding practices is vital.🚗 The integration of autonomous vehicles, like Teslas, brings both promise and uncertainty for two-wheel riders on the road.🏍️ Dong addresses the concern of electric vehicles not recognizing motorcycles and the associated risks.✈️ There's a comparison of trusting technology in planes vs cars, with computers communicating being potentially safer.🛣️ Dong stresses on the importance of product design for specific road types – urban vs. highway.⚡ The potential for geofencing capabilities in electric motorcycles to adapt to specific lane speed limits is also talked about.🎤 James and Dong preview their participation at Micromobility America, including demos and discussions.

Oct 26, 202336 min

Ep 209VMAX: Bringing the Swiss Scooter to the United States and Launching at Micromobility America

Dani Horwitz, CEO of VMAX, discusses the company's journey and mission to provide high-quality electric scooters with a focus on safety and reliability for the US market.Highlights🛴 Vmax Mobility, a Swiss-based company, is expanding to the US with high-quality, reliable scooters.🏞️ The scooters are designed for a wide range of users, offering reliability and performance for everyday use.🏆 Vmax prioritizes safety with UL certification and built-in safety features going after some of the bigger barriers to scooter adoption.🚴‍♂️ The company aims to appeal to those considering e-bikes, providing a smaller and more eco-friendly alternative.📊 Negative news and safety concerns are barriers to scooter adoption, which Vmax aims to address with its quality and safety measures.📈 Studies suggest that scooters may be safer than e-bikes, challenging common safety perceptions.

Oct 23, 202325 min

Ep 208Land Energy is Helping Define What You Want From an Electric Two Wheel Vehicle

SummaryJames Gross and Scott Colosimo, the founder and CEO of Land Energy, covers the company's origin, evolution, and its focus on electric motorcycles. With his background in Cleveland and previous experience in manufacturing motorcycles, Colosimo is now planning to bring manufacturing back to Cleveland, focusing on electric bikes, which they initially started producing under Cleveland CycleWorks brand. The decision to shift to electric motorcycles came naturally, aligning with the market's readiness and the company's desire to move away from China due to IP theft and growing tensions between the two countries. Currently, Land Energy is looking at the usability of motorcycles and focusing on innovation and improvement in manufacturing and product design. The ultimate question comes down to what Scott and his team are building, with 4 modes the current vehicle can be everything from an ebike to a moped to a performance motorcycle. This creates challenges and questions around regulation, technology and what is the safest for the driver. Emoji Summary🏍 Scott started Cleveland CycleWorks to make affordable, customizable motorcycles in 2009🇨🇳 He initially manufactured in China due to availability of eager young partners and 24/7 work ethic during manufacturing boom🦠 COVID caused supply chain issues, so he pivoted to electric vehicles made in the US under Land Energy⚡ Land Energy makes the District, an electric vehicle platform with software-defined ride modes from bicycle to motorcycle🤖 The flexible platform introduces new riders safely and rethinks mobility between categories defined by outdated laws🚦 Cities and laws aren't keeping pace with new electric mobility, creating confusion Scott aims to be part of the regulatory solution💰 After bootstrapping, Land raised a $7M Series A to scale manufacturing of their connected battery platform🛵 Scott wants to bend the metal to balance innovation and safety for new electric mobility platforms

Oct 17, 202347 min

Ep 207Exclusive: Launch of the P1 from Infinite Machine

SummaryToday we have the exclusive launch of the P1 from Joseph and Eddie Cohen. The P1 is a new electric moped designed by start-up Infinite Machine to be fast, fun, and practical for urban transportation. It has a powerful motor, removable batteries, and tech features like wireless CarPlay. With its striking sculptural design, the P1 aims to make electric vehicles inspiring. Preorders are now open, with priority delivery for the first 100 units. The founders see it as part of their mission to reimagine vehicles and reduce car dependence in cities.Emoji Bullets🙂 Launch of the P1 electric moped from Infinite Machine🛵 Brothers Joseph and Eddie Cohen started Infinite Machine to create the perfect electric city vehicle📱 P1 has a fast 6KW motor, removable batteries, carplay, and a modular design🚘 Inspired by automotive brands to create a beautiful, sculptural vehicle💨 Accelerates quickly with a turbo boost button - designed to make you smile🔋 Removable batteries allow charging without needing garage🎧 Built-in speakers and navigation audio for safety💵 $10,000 MSRP - preorders open today🏍 First 100 units get priority delivery for $5,000 deposit👪 Owners become part of an exclusive club with perks and membership🚲 Different from e-bikes: faster, street legal, and can be left locked outside🔋 UL certification on batteries for safety🛣 Able to keep up with cars on roads up to 55mph🎨 Distinctive anodized metal finish in silver or black🌎 Plans to expand with more vehicles and global showrooms🚘 Mission is to rethink vehicles and reduce cars for better cities

Oct 14, 202335 min