this is OTO Mobility

FUTURE OF URBAN TRANSPORT USING MICRO MOBILITY

OTO Mobility’s sustainable urban transport vehicle combines fun, safety and practicality. See how this micro mobility solution is tailored for urban life.

OTO Mobility’s sustainable urban transport vehicle combines fun, safety and practicality. See how this micro mobility solution is tailored for urban life

All urban dwellers living in cities around the world have the same kind of daily challenges associated with individual transport: traffic congestion, parking shortages and increasing environmental concerns like air and noise pollution. With more and more individuals opting to not own a car anymore, interest in alternative transportation options is on the rise.

In fact, already about two thirds of Berlin households live without a car, reflecting a relatively low rate of car ownership compared to most other German cities.

Companies and startups are addressing these challenges by offering a range of alternatives to owning a car. From electric micro mobility solutions tailored to diverse needs and markets, to improved car sharing concepts and autonomous vehicles, OTO Mobility is one of them.

THE NEXT ERA OF ELECTRIC MICRO MOBILITY

“We offer an electric vehicle that is well-designed, convenient, small, and safe,” explain Magnus Michel and Leon Laskowski, two senior industrial designers who set out to design and develop a convertible electric cabin scooter for daily urban mobility.

To tackle crowded urban streets, they crafted a compact, eco-friendly micro mobility vehicle for the needs of young families and small businesses living and operating in dense urban areas. Simply put, it’s a product for all those people living in an urban area who do not want to own a car anymore due to economic, ecological, or ideological reasons but still have the need or wish for personal transportation.

Their product: A nimble, space and resource-saving vehicle, big enough for two people for running errands, transporting luggage, or groceries, but small enough to be advantageous over conventionally sized cars while offering the same protection from the weather. “Thanks to its versatility and convertible backseat to cargo space, OTO is the perfect fit for everyone looking for an agile micro vehicle for daily use in limited urban space.” Magnus explains their idea. “OTO is electrically powered by swappable batteries for both charge-at-home and stationary charging. The three-wheeled design combined with the tilting technology makes for a super fun yet safe driving experience.”

THE TEAM BEHIND OTO MOBILITY

Magnus is the initiator of OTO, serving as the CEO & CTO and responsible for developing the prototypes and MVPs that will bring the micro mobility solution of OTO to our streets. After 10 years of developing and designing products for global mass production, he was ready to build his own company.

His co-founder Leon brings over 7 years of experience as a freelance product designer and design consultant. He has designed everything from 3D printed motorcycles to brands and apps. At OTO, Leon serves as the CDO & CCO, responsible for all visual, verbal, and formal aspects that convey the vision behind the company.

THEIR JOURNEY IN THE PROGRAM

“We really appreciate how everyone here wants to make things happen. It is the true definition of a maker's space, very much alive with a lovely and supportive community.”

The team remembers: “We’ve actually known about MotionLab.Berlin for quite some years now. As we began thinking about working together and started looking for a space in summer 2023, we immediately dreamt of working here.” Then they found out about the Hardtech Innovation Accelerator and applied. “It all went super fast and suddenly we found ourselves in the midst of an amazing group of other selected startuppers and the wonderful MotionLab.Berlin crew.”

What they love the most about it all? The good competent support, the mentoring sessions, all the different workshops and the creative and inspiring environment. “We really appreciate how everyone here wants to make things happen. It is the true definition of a maker’s space, very much alive with a lovely and supportive community.”

However, a significant challenge arose when the team, initially comprised of three members, decided to part ways. They reflect: “Both product pivots and changing team constellations are an absolutely normal and integral part of early-stage startups, yet it did cost us a lot of energy.” With this they can say that one of their biggest learnings was: “The team is the key. Invest more time in getting to know the people you want to work with and then spend time on building the team, before deciding to start a company together.”

WHAT COMES NEXT FOR OTO?

Leon reflects on their journey in the accelerator, highlighting the challenges and achievements: “Initially, we focused on urban car sharing, but customer interviews revealed we were off track. Despite disappointment, these insights guided us to our niche in urban micro mobility solutions. Though we aimed for LOIs to secure funding, traction was limited due to team skills. However, we adapted our prototype and redesigned based on research, creating an appealing website and visuals for our updated concept.”

“Design is a response to social change” – George Nelson

Leon and Magnus can look back on many learning experiences from the program. Their vision? Sustainable and affordable urban transportation with sustainable micro mobility for all people in big cities. “Could it be that design also creates social change?”

We wish you all the best for the future.

OUR HARDTECH INNOVATION PROGRAM

IS SUPPORTED BY

GET TO KNOW THE TEAMS

JOIN OUR DEMO DAY!

You want to meet OTO and get to know their sustainable micro mobility solution for urban transport personally? Or do you want to get to know the other startups from our current Hardtech Innovation program as well? Join us at our Demo Day on the 31st of May at MotionLab.Berlin and celebrate with us our amazing startups, their solutions and developments! Sign up here.

The Hardtech Innovation program is supported by funds from the European Union (European Social Fund) and the State of Berlin.