California-based Nuro is one of the most advanced startups working on autonomous delivery vehicles, offering a completely new vision for urban logistics. Unlike traditional self-driving cars, Nuro’s vehicles are built from the ground up to deliver goods, not people. These compact, electric, self-driving robots are already being tested in select U.S. cities like Houston and Phoenix, delivering groceries, prescriptions, and takeout meals.
Nuro’s R2 vehicle has been approved for operation on public roads and includes a robust suite of sensors, cameras, and safety systems. Designed to be lightweight and pedestrian-safe, the R2 can travel on surface streets and make scheduled or on-demand deliveries. The company’s partnerships with brands like Domino’s and Kroger highlight its commercial viability.
By removing the human driver, Nuro’s model promises to reduce delivery costs, emissions, and traffic congestion. Its technology could reshape how goods are transported within cities, making it a key player in the future of autonomous last-mile delivery.
Based in Berlin, GetHenry targets the fast-growing courier and delivery market with subscription-based electric bikes designed specifically for gig workers. Their bikes are rugged, reliable, and equipped with features tailored for delivery professionals, including GPS tracking, cargo storage, and fast charging.
What makes GetHenry unique is its B2B subscription model, where companies or freelance riders can rent a fully-serviced e-bike on a weekly or monthly basis. This allows workers to avoid the high upfront costs of purchasing and maintaining a bike, while also receiving 24/7 technical support.
As demand for last-mile delivery continues to surge, particularly in cities like Berlin, Amsterdam, and Paris, GetHenry is playing a critical role in enabling a sustainable gig economy. Their tech platform also includes data analytics tools for fleet operators, helping improve delivery efficiency and reduce downtime. By focusing on the needs of the courier workforce, GetHenry is disrupting the logistics side of urban mobility.
London-based HumanForest has introduced a novel twist to the e-bike model by offering free, ad-supported electric bike rides to users across the UK capital. With a vision to democratize access to sustainable transportation, HumanForest provides 10 minutes of free riding per day, funded through partnerships with eco-conscious brands that advertise via the app.
The e-bikes themselves are built with long-range batteries and regenerative braking, designed for the unique urban challenges of London. Riders can park in designated zones to avoid street clutter, and the app uses gamification tools to reward sustainable behavior.
HumanForest’s approach is especially appealing to budget-conscious commuters and students. By blending advertising, green transport, and social equity, they’ve created a new mobility model that’s as financially inclusive as it is environmentally responsible. As interest grows in freemium transportation services, HumanForest is paving the way for zero-cost green commuting.
Based in Dublin, Zipp Mobility is building a new kind of electric scooter-sharing service that puts cities and citizens first. Unlike many global giants, Zipp tailors its approach to each location, working closely with local authorities to ensure that operations align with municipal mobility strategies and public safety regulations.
Zipp’s scooters are deployed in Ireland, the UK, and several other European cities, often in towns overlooked by larger competitors. Their operational model emphasizes low-carbon logistics, with e-cargo bikes and EV vans used for scooter distribution and maintenance. The company’s “Zipp to School” initiative promotes mobility education for youth, helping to instill responsible habits from a young age.
With a mission to deliver sustainable, responsible, and community-based transport, Zipp is proving that smaller players can have a big impact when they focus on local needs and inclusive mobility. Their attention to detail, from carbon offsetting to civic engagement, positions them as a serious contender in the mobility space.
Founded in Abu Dhabi, Fenix is a rising player in the Middle East’s mobility scene, offering electric scooters and delivery e-bikes tailored to local market needs. Fenix distinguishes itself through its hyper-local focus, investing in community-centric features like contactless payments, female-friendly riding options, and affordable pricing tiers.
Operating in cities across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, Fenix aims to solve the region’s “first and last mile” mobility challenges. Unlike traditional ride-hailing, Fenix’s services are designed to seamlessly connect users to public transit hubs or urban commercial centers, improving accessibility and reducing traffic.
One of its standout features is the Fenix Pay platform, a mobile wallet integrated with the app, enabling seamless transactions across different services. With a strong emphasis on urban inclusivity and technology-enabled convenience, Fenix is redefining how micro-mobility can thrive in a region historically dominated by car culture.
Based in Dubai, Swvl is transforming mass transit in emerging markets by offering a tech-based solution for semi-fixed bus routes. Operating in countries like Egypt, Pakistan, Kenya, and Turkey, Swvl targets urban commuters who lack reliable public transportation options. The platform allows users to pre-book rides on shared buses, which follow optimized routes to reduce travel times and costs.
Swvl’s model is especially beneficial in cities with overloaded public infrastructure, where traditional buses are either scarce or inefficient. The app uses AI algorithms to suggest pickup and drop-off points, balancing convenience for users with operational efficiency. Riders enjoy features like real-time tracking, cashless payments, and predictable pricing, which helps build trust in markets where transportation has often been unreliable.
By focusing on inclusive mobility and affordability, Swvl empowers working professionals, students, and women travelers in regions where safety and accessibility are often concerns. As Swvl continues to expand into Latin America and Southeast Asia, it’s setting the standard for tech-enabled mass transit innovation in the Global South.
Stockholm-based VOI Technology has taken Europe by storm with its stylish and practical electric scooters. As a leading name in shared micro-mobility, VOI emphasizes data-driven city planning, responsible ridership, and carbon neutrality. Available in more than 100 cities across Europe, VOI’s bright red scooters are helping reshape city streets into safer, cleaner, and more people-friendly environments.
VOI collaborates closely with municipalities to offer geofencing, parking zones, and smart speed limits, ensuring that their scooters are not only fun but also compliant with city regulations. Their unique VOIager program allows users to earn rewards for responsible behavior, such as parking correctly and completing safety tutorials.
By using recycled materials, implementing battery recycling programs, and aiming for zero-waste operations, VOI is more than a transportation service—it's a sustainability advocate. As cities like Copenhagen, Milan, and Seville seek to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality, VOI is proving to be a valuable partner in the shift to smart city mobility solutions.
New York-based Revel is disrupting urban transport in the U.S. by offering shared electric mopeds as a fun, fast, and clean alternative to traditional commuting methods. Available in major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C., Revel’s fleet of electric mopeds is bridging the gap between bicycles and ride-hailing cars, offering a middle-ground option for city dwellers.
Revel’s model is built on accessibility and spontaneity. Users can locate, reserve, and ride mopeds using a smartphone app. Helmets are conveniently stored in a rear case, and the mopeds are regularly maintained to ensure safety. The company provides free rider training, prioritizing responsible use and safety education.
Beyond mopeds, Revel has expanded into EV fast charging stations and even electric car rentals for city-based users, pushing forward a more comprehensive approach to electrified urban mobility. With urban congestion and emissions on the rise, Revel is helping American cities adapt to a cleaner, more versatile transportation future.
Berlin-based TIER Mobility is revolutionizing the micro-mobility landscape with a strong focus on sustainable urban travel. Specializing in electric scooters and bikes, TIER operates in over 150 cities across Europe and the Middle East. What makes TIER stand out is its end-to-end approach to sustainability, which includes carbon-neutral operations, battery-swapping technology, and recyclable vehicle components.
Unlike many of its competitors, TIER uses a network of local warehouses for charging and maintenance, which minimizes environmental impact and maximizes operational efficiency. In cities like Vienna, Helsinki, and Rome, TIER has been instrumental in reducing reliance on private vehicles by providing accessible and eco-conscious alternatives.
Their app includes real-time data on CO2 savings and integrates with public transportation systems to encourage multi-modal commuting. TIER also offers subscription-based mobility passes, catering to frequent users who want unlimited rides at a fixed price. By combining convenience with environmental responsibility, TIER Mobility is becoming a cornerstone of the green mobility revolution.
Based in Tallinn, Estonia, Bolt has rapidly emerged as one of Europe’s leading urban mobility platforms. Originally launched as a ride-hailing app, Bolt has expanded its services to include e-scooter rentals, car sharing, and food delivery, positioning itself as a comprehensive mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) solution. With operations in over 45 countries, the company has tapped into the growing demand for eco-friendly transport options.
What sets Bolt apart is its commitment to affordability and sustainability. The company actively promotes low-emission zones and encourages the use of electric vehicles through subsidies and fleet partnerships. In cities like Paris, Lisbon, and Warsaw, Bolt has introduced e-scooter fleets that are seamlessly integrated into the existing urban infrastructure, making short-distance travel convenient and cost-effective.
Bolt’s intuitive app design and strong focus on driver and rider safety have made it a favorite among users across Europe and Africa. Their expansion strategy also includes collaboration with local governments to address last-mile transportation issues and reduce traffic congestion. By offering multiple transportation services under one platform, Bolt exemplifies the future of integrated urban mobility.
The rise of mobility startups is more than a trend—it’s a response to the global need for smarter, greener, and more inclusive transportation solutions. These ten startups illustrate the incredible range of ideas and technologies reshaping how people and goods move in urban environments. Whether it’s a free electric bike ride through London, a shared scooter in Stockholm, or an autonomous robot delivering groceries in Houston, the future of mobility is being built right now by visionaries around the world.
Each of these companies is tackling a specific pain point in the transportation ecosystem, from last-mile logistics and carbon emissions to ride affordability and urban accessibility. What unites them is a clear commitment to innovation, sustainability, and user-centric design. They’re not just moving people—they’re moving society forward.
As cities continue to adapt to post-pandemic realities and climate imperatives, the need for intelligent transportation solutions will only grow. These startups represent the vanguard of that transformation. If you're looking to invest in or simply understand the future of urban mobility, these are the companies you need to watch.
Let’s keep our eyes on the road ahead—it’s going to be an electrifying ride.
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