The Micromobility Podcast

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

Shared micromobility is no longer just a startup experiment. It’s becoming real urban infrastructure. In this episode of the Micromobility Podcast, Prabin Joel Jones sits down with Tobias Balchen, CEO of Ryde, one of the most profitable shared micromobility operators in Europe. Ryde grew revenue from $28.4M in 2023 to $75.5M in 2025 while maintaining industry-leading profitability. Tobias breaks down how Ryde achieved this while much of the industry struggled with losses, restructuring and funding challenges. We also dive deep into the future of the micromobility industry, Lime’s IPO, e-bikes, public transit integration, infrastructure, consolidation and what comes next for the sector. What we covered: - How Ryde became one of the most profitable operators in micromobility - Why customer experience is the foundation of profitability - Why Oslo’s shared scooter network is approaching public transit scale - The future of shared e-bikes and scooters - Why bikes are becoming a major growth driver - Lime’s S-1 filing and what it means for the industry - Why valuations are still low despite explosive ridership growth - The shift from VC funding to debt and bond markets - Why cycling infrastructure directly impacts ridership - Whether micromobility is becoming urban infrastructure - The future of consolidation in the industry - Why Europe remains the biggest opportunity for operators - New mobility formats and what comes after scooters and bikes - Advice for startups building in micromobility

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