Over the past several years, the landscape of Europe’s micromobility startup sector has undergone a noticeable transformation. The reckless rush of early e-scooter ventures, marked by a grab for rapid growth at any cost, has largely subsided. Now, with venture funding increasingly redirected toward AI ventures, startups in micromobility have become more prudent, focused firmly on profitability, sustainability, and addressing genuine gaps within the transportation sector.
At the recent Micromobility Europe conference held in Brussels, a range of young startups presented innovative solutions that underpin this maturation. Their offerings span fleet management software, practical charging infrastructure, more intuitive cargo solutions, and novel vehicle designs—each addressing specific customer needs and market deficiencies.
Among these promising new startups is UK-based Convoy, founded in 2023. Its founders—drawing experience from e-bike design and femtech (notably developing a hands-free wearable breast pump)—set out to simplify urban parenting. Convoy has developed a lightweight, convenient cargo attachment that converts existing bicycles into efficient e-cargo bikes. Capable of comfortably carrying two small children, their device features a 250-watt motor that effortlessly electrifies standard bicycles, while rear-wheel steering preserves easy navigation. Launching pre-orders at €2,200 next week, Convoy is already anticipating international expansion in Japan and the United States following solid initial retailer interest across Europe.
In Germany, siblings Caroline and Johannes Goeckel founded Azora Charge a year and a half ago. Addressing a glaring lack of reliable parking and charging facilities for private e-bike owners, Azora has designed solar-powered bike stations for city streets and parking garages. Their covered flagship product, the Azora Arc, integrates five solar panels, accommodates up to eight bicycles, and fits neatly within a single parking space. With another smaller model, the Flow, suited for locations without a cover, Azora plans to retail this infrastructure to urban authorities and commercial establishments at €28,000 and €15,999 respectively. A pilot program is expected soon in Heidelberg, offering vital proof of concept.
Romania- and Netherlands-based Fleetser, meanwhile, addresses supply chain issues faced by micromobility operators. Since its launch in late 2024, Fleetser has facilitated buying, selling, and refurbishing thousands of shared electric bikes and scooters. Beyond hardware, Fleetser’s marketplace assists operators in sourcing components and managing batteries, as well as providing comprehensive logistical solutions. Its customers range from large players disposing of equipment to newcomers attempting cost-effective startup launches.
Switch, an innovative Italian startup established in 2020, brings contemporary technology sharply into focus for fleet operators and urban planners alike. Featuring two core products—Urbiverse and Urban Copilot—that leverage artificial intelligence for data-driven urban logistics, Switch is capable of simulating fleet activities, forecasting demand in real-time, optimizing operations, and even integrating seamlessly with existing communications tools like Slack or CRM software platforms. Already collaborating with players like Lime and backed by the European Institute of Technology, Switch seeks to reshape how shared mobility companies tackle efficiency and demand management.
Bosnia and Herzegovina-based Zapp, founded in 2020, is gaining traction well beyond traditional micromobility, bringing forth a “super app” model that includes food deliveries, micromobility, package services, car rentals, and taxis. Uniquely utilizing a franchise model, Zapp thrives in smaller Balkan cities, fostering local entrepreneurship. Its founder, former gaming café franchise CEO Martin Mikolic, emphasizes local empowerment to ensure strong service alignment with community expectations. The startup plans imminent expansion to neighboring Croatia.
French startup J2R caters to younger, urban audiences seeking uniquely styled electric mobility solutions. Launched in 2022 by Jean Madaule, previously a video game industry analyst, J2R’s flagship electric motorcycle, Smol, combines striking design with durable components and easy reparability. The €9,450 Smol, set for limited pre-sale release later this year, is being assembled entirely in France from primarily EU-sourced components, targeting stylish riders conscious of exclusivity and environmental responsibility.
Finally, Trace Mobility, founded by veteran micromobility entrepreneur Tobias Meurer, offers software services targeting small and medium mobility operators. Trace delivers detailed business intelligence, from usage statistics and revenue models to actionable insights enhanced by artificial intelligence. Operators, particularly those using white-label applications for reservations and billing, gain unprecedented visibility into operational drivers crucial for optimizing profitability.
Each of these promising startups represents a critical layer within Europe’s evolving micromobility ecosystem, showcasing a shift toward sustainable, responsible, and economically viable solutions that reinforce mobility innovation at all levels.
