Who Makes the Electric Scooters Taking Over City Streets?

Electric scooters have become a popular mode of transportation in urban areas worldwide. They are convenient, environmentally friendly, and help reduce traffic congestion. Numerous companies have entered the electric scooter market Numerous companies have entered the electric scooter market to provide this innovative and efficient service. Some of the major players in the electric scooter industry include Bird, Lime, Spin, and Bolt, as well as traditional automotive giants like Ford (through its acquisition of Spin). Read on to discover who these companies are, their mission, and their value to city dwellers and visitors alike.

1. Bird

Bird was founded by former Lyft and Uber executive Travis VanderZanden in 2017. This California-based company began operating electric scooters in Santa Monica before spreading to other major cities worldwide. As a pioneer in the market, Bird garnered more than $400 million in funding and became one of the fastest-growing startups in history.

1. Lime

Lime, formerly known as LimeBike, was launched by Brad Bao and Toby Sun in 2017. Although Lime initially focused on dockless bicycles, it quickly expanded into electric scooters as well. Lime operates in more than 100 cities globally and has received substantial financial backing from companies like Alphabet (Google's parent company) and Uber.

1. Spin

Spin was founded by Euwyn Poon, Derrick Ko, and Zaizhuang Cheng in 2016. Originally focused on bike-sharing, Spin quickly pivoted to electric scooters following the rise in demand. In 2018, Ford acquired the San Francisco-based startup for a reported $100 million, giving Spin a powerful corporate backing for further expansion.

1. Bolt

Launched by Usain Bolt, the world's fastest man, this electric scooter company focuses on providing safe, efficient, and green transportation options. Bolt Mobility was founded in 2018 and has expanded its presence in the United States and Europe, offering both rental services and direct-to-consumer scooters for purchase.

More established brands, like Segway-Ninebot, have also entered the electric scooter-sharing market by supplying companies like Bird and Lime with their scooters. As electric scooter usage continues to grow, the market will likely attract new players and innovation, making city streets more accessible and environmentally friendly.