The Micromobility Podcast

Micromobility Industries
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The Micromobility Podcast

Welcome to Micromobility, a podcast exploring the disruption that comes from new lightweight utility vehicles. Using the history of computing as a framework, we unpack what business models and impacts we’re likely to see in transport in cities.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    How 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

    1h 10m

  2. 2 JUN

    Bird’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 Mobility 01:40 Michael's Journey: From CFO to CEO 05:13 Navigating Challenges: The Turnaround Strategy 08:34 Cultural Overhaul: Post-Bankruptcy Bird 11:58 Motivating the Team: Retention and Transparency 15:29 Revenue Resilience: Strategies During Bankruptcy 18:49 Tough Decisions: Streamlining Operations 22:31 Building Brand Loyalty in Micro Mobility 25:50 Metrics that Matter: Revenue and Customer Retention 29:43 Understanding User Price Sensitivity 32:18 Post-Bankruptcy Metrics and Surprises 34:56 Strategies for Reducing G&A Costs 39:24 Hardware Strategy and Market Positioning 44:21 Geographical Expansion and Market Focus 48:43 Future of Shared Micro Mobility

    55 min

  3. 27 MAY

    80K 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. Takeaways Ride 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.Chapters 00:00 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

    50 min

  4. 13 MAY

    Bikeshare 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. Chapters 00:00 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

    52 min

  5. 24 FEB

    Bird 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.

    1h 6m

  6. 20/07/2023

    Electrifying the workplace with Roman Meliska

    The Micromobility Podcast

    40 min

  7. 13/07/2023

    Ebike Revolution with Cannondale, Cowboy, Vanmoof, Ampler and Lekker

    The Micromobility Podcast

    33 min

  8. 06/07/2023

    The exploding world of micromobility-first freight with Finmile CEO Rich Pleeth

    The Micromobility Podcast

    48 min
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About

Welcome to Micromobility, a podcast exploring the disruption that comes from new lightweight utility vehicles. Using the history of computing as a framework, we unpack what business models and impacts we’re likely to see in transport in cities.

Information

  • Creator
    Micromobility Industries
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    165
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Micromobility Industries
  • Show Website
    The Micromobility Podcast

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