The startups rolling out of Europe’s early-stage micromobility scene

The landscape of early-stage micromobility in Europe has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Gone are the chaotic days of e-scooter companies racing to scale at all costs, a trend that has faded alongside the large venture capital investments now increasingly directed towards artificial intelligence startups. With tighter funding and an urgent need for sustainable business models, a new wave of micromobility startups is emerging. I recently attended Micromobility Europe in Brussels, where I explored the ‘Startup Arena’ to understand the innovations being developed within Europe’s early-stage micromobility ecosystem. Many of the startups I interacted with are addressing the critical gaps within the industry through solutions like fleet management software, charging stations, and innovative vehicle designs. Some are even creating the very vehicles that they wish existed. Take Convoy, a UK-based startup founded in 2023, which is tackling the challenges of bulky and expensive e-cargo bikes. They have developed a clip-on cargo conversion kit designed to fit standard bikes and e-bikes, allowing for easy transport of up to two small children. The team behind Convoy brings a wealth of experience from diverse fields, including femtech and e-bikes, and is led by Tatiana Escobar-Peake. "For the past decade, we have been focused on improving life for new parents," she explained. The kit is lightweight at 26 pounds, features a 250-watt motor that converts pedal bikes into e-bikes, and maintains the bike's maneuverability. Convoy plans to open pre-orders for their trailer, priced at €2,200 ($2,500), next week and is eyeing expansion into Japan and the U.S. after garnering interest from European distributors. Another notable player is Azora Charge, a startup founded by siblings Caroline and Johannes Goeckel just a year and a half ago. This Germany-based company is innovating solar-powered charging and parking stations for e-bikes, catering more to individual e-bike owners rather than shared micromobility operators. Caroline Goeckel highlighted the lack of secure parking options in cities like London, emphasizing the need for their solution. Their flagship product, the Azora Arc, is a compact charging station complete with integrated solar panels and multiple charging spots for bikes, designed for versatility in urban environments. Azora hopes to sell these stations to municipalities and commercial entities at prices ranging from €15,999 to €28,000, and they are set to launch a pilot program in Heidelberg to validate their first prototype. Fleetser is yet another startup making waves in the micromobility sector. Founded in late 2024, this marketplace specializes in buying, selling, and refurbishing shared electric bikes and scooters. The company aims to support both new and established operators with logistics and supply chain management services. Alexei Stefan, managing partner at Fleetser, stated that their marketplace serves as an ideal entry point for newcomers and a means for larger operators to expand affordably. With warehouses in Romania and the Netherlands, Fleetser has successfully sold 6,000 bikes this year and is growing organically through positive word-of-mouth. Italian startup Switch is also pushing the envelope, integrating AI into fleet management and logistics for cities and shared mobility operators. Their products, Urbiverse and Urban Copilot, provide essential tools for data generation and real-time operational insights. Alessandro Ciociola, AI officer at Switch, explained how their AI can facilitate communication across platforms, allowing users to set custom alerts and reports for fleet management. Meanwhile, Zapp, a super app from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is redefining service delivery by merging food and package delivery with shared mobility and car rental services. Launched in 2020, Zapp aims to tap into smaller cities where competition from larger players is limited, empowering local entrepreneurs through a franchise model. Lastly, J2R is capturing attention with its innovative electric motorcycle, Smol, designed for urban environments and street culture enthusiasts. Founded in 2022 by former video game industry analyst Jean Madaule, J2R combines traceability and reparability with a striking design aimed at urban riders. With a price tag of €9,450 ($10,800), pre-sales are underway, with deliveries planned for early 2026. As the micromobility sector continues to evolve, these startups highlight the industry's shift toward sustainable and user-focused solutions, paving the way for a new era of urban transportation.