Mar 24, 2019
Over the past year, electric scooter startups have erupted as the next set of startups with billion-dollar valuations and unicorn status. Companies like Bird, Spin, Lime, and others have taken on large investments from Alphabet, Uber, Lyft and more. The problem that electric scooters are solving is very clear, they are helping ridesharing companies to cut down on the short two to three block trips which cost more to take on with an automobile. They are also providing rideshare companies with more transit data on people moving around cities. Hence the electric scooter has hatched up like cicadas in cities like Austin, Los Angeles, and San Francisco among others. With this new transportation option comes safety challenges as safety equipment like helmets is not provided.
On episode 9 of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, I share my thoughts on the electric scooter startups that have been taking over cities with their offerings. My “Safety Frank” alarms have gone off and I dive into the safety concerns and points to possible solutions like the helmet startup Park and Diamond as well as other safety helmet options. Park and Diamond was a top 5 finalist in the 2018 Startup of the Year program. Listen in as I share my perspectives and offers up a few ideas that are startup opportunities for anyone looking to startup and dive into a hot industry.