The Micromobility Podcast

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

In this episode of the Micromobility Podcast, Prabin Joel Jones speaks with Caroline Samponaro, VP of External Affairs at Lyft Urban Solutions, about building and scaling some of the most successful public bike share programs in the world, and why she believes the station-based model is the future of urban micromobility. Caroline shares her journey from bicycle activist and community organiser in New York City, through a brief stint at dockless pioneer Ofo, to helping Lyft build its infrastructure-first approach to bike share. She breaks down what makes programs like Citi Bike, Divvy, and Capital Bikeshare work, why free-floating was a distraction, and what the next decade of public micromobility looks like. Topics covered: • From anthropology student to bike advocate: Caroline's path into micromobility • What Lyft Urban Solutions actually is and the scale it operates at • Why Lyft doubled down on station-based bike share while Uber walked away • The Citi Bike story: 36k bikes, 47m  trips, and a single-day record of 206k rides • Why free-floating costs 26% more per ride than station-based over a contract lifecycle • The new Pillar station: independent bollards, latch docking, and in-dock charging • How Chicago's Divvy program combines e-bikes, e-scooters, and hybrid parking • What makes a bike share city: network density, political will, and long-term thinking • Protected bike lanes and why infrastructure and tools must go together • Advice for city officials designing or procuring a micro-mobility program

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

In this episode of the Micromobility Podcast, Prabin Joel Jones speaks with Wim Ouboter, Founder & CEO of Micro Mobility Systems and the inventor of the modern kick scooter, about building one of the most iconic micro vehicles in history and then betting everything on the microcar. Wim shares the story behind the Micro scooter's creation, how it scaled to 80,000 units a day, and what happened when the market collapsed under a wave of copies. He then takes us through the journey of building the Microlino, the regulatory battles facing microcars today, and why he believes the pod car is the next major shift in urban mobility. Topics covered: • The bratwurst run that inspired the micro scooter • Scaling to 80,000 units a day and the collapse that followed • Why Wim pivoted from scooters to microcars • The story behind the Microlino and the BMW Isetta • L6 vs L7 and the regulatory challenges facing microcars • The lawsuit against the Swiss government over CO2 credits • Manufacturing in Italy vs China and what changes next • Advice for founders building hardware in mobility today

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

In this episode of the Micromobility Podcast, Prabin Joel Jones speaks with Kevin Talbot, Managing Partner at Relay Ventures and one of the earliest investors in Bird, about the rise, challenges, and future of shared micromobility. Kevin shares the inside story behind Relay Ventures’ investment in Bird, the creation of Bird Canada, and how the franchisee eventually took over the global company. The conversation explores what Bird got right, where the industry struggled, and why consolidation is far from over. They also discuss profitability, regulation, swappable batteries, the future of microcars, and why Kevin believes micromobility will eventually become a two-player global market. Topics covered: • How Relay Ventures invested in Bird • The story behind Bird Canada • What Bird got right and wrong • Why swappable batteries matter • Regulation and city partnerships • Profitability challenges in micromobility • The future of industry consolidation • Why microcars could transform urban mobility • Advice for founders building in mobility today

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

In this episode of the Micromobility Podcast, Prabin Joel Jones speaks with David Powe, Assistant Commissioner at the Chicago Department of Transportation, about how Chicago is scaling micromobility across the city. They explore the rapid growth in ridership, the expansion of Divvy bike share, and the rise of scooter use led by Lime. The conversation covers how infrastructure, pricing, and public-private partnerships are shaping adoption, along with the balance between station-based and free-floating systems. David also shares insights on safety, affordability, and programs like Bike Chicago that are expanding access. Topics covered: • Chicago’s micromobility growth story • Divvy bike share and system expansion • Rise of e-bikes and scooters • Infrastructure and pricing strategies • Station-based vs free-floating models • Safety challenges and solutions • Expanding access through Bike Chicago • What other cities can learn

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

In this episode of the Micromobility Podcast, Prabin Joel Jones speaks with Brandon Schuh, Senior VP & Head of Specialty Insurance at Christensen Group, about the evolving role of insurance in the micromobility industry and why it has become a critical piece of the ecosystem. Brandon shares his perspective from working closely with operators across the space, breaking down how insurance has shifted from a barrier to a strategic enabler for micromobility companies. The conversation explores the early challenges insurers faced in understanding the category, and how data, improved vehicle durability, and operational maturity have helped reshape risk models. They discuss how insurance impacts unit economics, why claims data is one of the most valuable assets operators have, and how better alignment between cities, operators, and insurers can unlock more sustainable growth. The episode also dives into common misconceptions around risk, how insurers evaluate different vehicle types, and what operators can do to reduce costs while improving safety outcomes. Topics covered: • Why insurance is critical to the growth of micromobility  • Early challenges insurers faced with e scooters and new mobility models  • How data has improved underwriting and risk assessment  • The relationship between safety, operations, and insurance costs  • Why durability and vehicle design matter more than ever  • Common misconceptions about micromobility risk  • How claims data shapes pricing and coverage decisions  • The role of insurers in working with cities and regulators  • Differences in insuring scooters, bikes, and emerging vehicle types  • How operators can lower premiums through better practices  • The link between insurance and long term profitability  • What the future of micromobility insurance could look like