Unu-E-scooter: Sharing is the future model of urban mobility

Private scooter sharing simplifies life in the city

UNU
Image source and copyright by Unu

In 2019 the number of Sharing Scooter worldwide by 164%, i.e. from 25.000 in the previous year to 66.000. In Germany alone, growth of 47% was recorded during this period - to just under 4.200 scooters. 82% of the Scooter Sharing cities are located in Europe. The ranking of the cities with the most sharing scooters is led by Madrid, Paris and Barcelona.

The idea of ​​Unu, the Berlin start-up for scooter sharing, began in Asia. Fascinated by the potential of major Asian cities, the founders of Unu also experienced massive restrictions in terms of traffic jams, a lack of parking spaces and air pollution. Europe ahead, enjoy easy, electrical Scooters have long been popular.

This mobility alternative should also be used in European cities become accessible, so that Unu brought electric scooters with a sharing concept to the road for the first time. With key sharing, the connected scooter can be shared with family and friends via the app without a key.

UNU

Founding team of Unu e-scooters

The founders of Unu explain their business model to us and clear up the clichés about production in China.

E-scooter sharing - A new business model in Europe

So far, e-mobility has been very expensive because the batteries often cost almost as much as the vehicle itself. From the start, we therefore consciously decided on a direct sales model. Even the test drive is arranged online. Our service network spans over 1.000 Bosch partner workshops where customers can get help.

One

Image source and copyright by Unu

We were also the first provider to value good design and develop portable batteries that can be charged like any smartphone or laptop at any normal socket.

With the new scooter, which we have built based on the feedback from our customers, we are also breaking new ground. It is networked, so it can be opened and shared with the smartphone and also has navigation and theft protection.

Production in China contrary to the clichés

Protecting the environment is at the heart of everything we do and we believe that cleanness begins in the factory. We are working in Zhuhai, China, with one of the largest consumer electronics manufacturers worldwide.

Despite many prejudices, we deliberately chose China because our entire supply chain is very closely related to the Chinese market. China is also the world's largest e-scooter market.

Gasoline scooters were banned there over ten years ago. At the same time, we deliberately chose Flex as the manufacturer because they rely on better working conditions. Flex itself also has a very high focus on the sustainability of its production. For example, most of the production is based on solar power.

Flex strictly limits and controls working hours, pays great attention to a healthy work environment and is committed to the well-being of its employees. The whole thing is ensured not only by regular audits, but also by our own employees on site.

By recycling batteries, giving raw materials a second life

Unu, e-scooter sharing

Image source and copyright by Unu

There is currently no fully developed alternative to the electric battery for us. We are aware of the existing environmental and social problems in the production of battery cells and therefore rely on an established partner like LG. LG places high demands on its suppliers and deals transparently with the composition and origin of its raw materials.

The battery cells we use support more than 1000 charging cycles. They are protected by a robust aluminum housing to ensure the longest possible service life. When the battery life is running out, we hand it over to local partners for recycling.

The majority of the valuable materials such as cobalt, nickel and copper are recovered or a second life is given to them (for example as a stationary electricity storage device).

BRAND GUIDE

The future of mobility

Urban mobility will be changed by three major trends in the next 10-15 years: e-mobility, connected & shared mobility and autonomous driving.

Smart cities can also make many areas of metropolitan life more efficient and easier and thus ensure a higher quality of life in cities. At the same time, one should not become too dependent on these technologies, since they also involve risks.

Therefore, Unu will continue to work closely with its customers and develop further exciting vehicles with which people can discover the full potential of their city.

NEWSLETTER
REGISTRATION

Always informed about the latest lifestyle trends, architecture, design & interior, as well as current technologies around sustainability.

[ninja_form id = 3]

Related topics
The Future is Now - 3D design innovation is revolutionizing fashion The exceptional Austrian designer Julia Körner talks about the future of 3D printing as a link between...
electric mobility
Electromobility - A look behind the scenes The market for electromobility has continued to grow rapidly, with around 3 million cars sold in 2020. But what ...