\Mobility Analysis/ Another electric scooter hits the streets of Europe — this time thanks to sprinter Usain Bolt But is Bolt, for the first time in his life, a bit slow off the mark? By Michael Stothard 16 May 2019 Credit: Image credit: Bolt Mobility Credit: Image credit: Bolt Mobility \Mobility GetYourGuide hails "inflection point" in travel sector By Miriam Partington in Berlin 16 February 2021 Member \Mobility Analysis/ Another electric scooter hits the streets of Europe — this time thanks to sprinter Usain Bolt But is Bolt, for the first time in his life, a bit slow off the mark? By Michael Stothard 16 May 2019 There is already an insane number of electric scooter companies looking to dominate the European market — Lime, Bird, Voi, Flash, Tier, Dott and Wind, to name just a few. Yet on Thursday, a new contender entered the race to conquer the continent, launching its scooters in Paris. Late to the party? Perhaps. But this late-entrant hopes to have an edge, not only with the customary promise of better technology, but with a mega-celebrity backer. Cofounded by none other than sprinter Usain Bolt, Bolt might have been slow to arrive — but it’s hoping to be quick to take off. The company’s co-chief executive Sarah Haynes says she thinks Usain Bolt’s celebrity status will help Bolt’s scooters stand out in the crowded field. “I get a good reaction from people wherever I go,” Bolt tells Sifted on the sidelines of the Vivatech conference in Paris, adding for emphasis: “I am well loved by people.” Further reading: From Voi to Flash, we compare Europe’s scooter startups Bolt’s company (known as Bolt Mobility in the US) was founded in 2018. It has launched in cities across the US and says it plans to expand into 20 European cities through 2020. Haynes rejected the idea that the company was late to launch in Europe in 2019 (several months after rivals) because having the “right product” was most important and Bolt’s name would also help. She said their scooter was unique in having ample storage space for a bag and phone, as well as foot pads which allow a rider to have both feet facing forward (which she says makes the vehicle easier to control). But aside from the challenge of winning over consumers, it is regulators that really have scooter companies worried. The Paris city hall recently said that the city was “saturated” with the electric devices and is threatening to ban them. Scooters are already illegal on the streets of London. Bolt’s company has an extra complication as well: its name. An Estonian-founded scooter company, formally known as Taxify, has claimed the name Bolt in France, so Usain Bolt’s company has, for now, to technically go by BparUsainBolt — which is perhaps not as catchy. Want the best of Sifted in your inbox? Our newsletter brings you the latest, greatest stories on startup Europe. Sign up Terms of Use Related Articles Not everyone can become an entrepreneur in Europe By Marie Mawad in Paris Click here to read more Only 21% of tech unicorns are led by women, report shows By Freya Pratty Click here to read more Black entrepreneurs receive just 0.24% of capital in the UK By Freya Pratty Click here to read more Systemic barriers for minority business owners persist, report shows By Freya Pratty Click here to read more Get the best of Sifted in your inbox By entering your email you agree to Sifted’s Terms of Use Sign up to \Future Proof Sifted’s weekly \Corporate Innovation roundup email By entering your email you agree to Sifted’s Terms of Use Most Read 1 Member \Deeptech 21 European SaaS startups set to boom in 2021, predicted by VCs 2 \Startup Life Founders, stop chasing after the limelight — just build your damn product 3 Member \Fintech Inside Taavet Hinrikus’s vast angel portfolio 4 \Public & Academic What to expect from Spain’s Startup Law, with Francisco Polo 5 \Sustainability How are Europe’s startups capturing carbon? Join the conversation Subscribe Notify of new follow-up comments new replies to my comments
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