Portrait: Ulrich Prediger
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Ulrich Prediger is the founder of JobRad and the Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of JobRad Holding SE. The trained economist previously worked for a medical technology company. However, his request to switch from a company car to a company bike was rejected. Driven by his vision to enable all employees in Germany to have access to a company bike, Ulrich Prediger laid the foundation for what is now the JobRad Group in 2008.  

The JobRad Group is the leading provider of innovative services focused on sustainable and flexible bike mobility. With its JobRad® brand, the company group is the European market leader in bike leasing. The founding of the JobRad Venture Studio "Startrampe" also traces back to Ulrich Prediger. Startrampe develops new business models centered around sustainable mobility and drives the spin-off of new companies forward.  

Interview
with Ulrich PredigerFounder of JobRad

1. What do you want to present at IAA MOBILITY, or what will you be speaking about at IAA MOBILITY?  

We must ask ourselves: What should the future of mobility look like? What solutions do we want to create not only for ourselves but also for future generations? From my perspective, it is essential to take a holistic approach to mobility. Mobility must benefit everyone. A key element in the transformation of mobility is the e-bike. In my presentation, I will talk about its potential for the economy, the environment, and society.  

2. Which technological developments do you think will have the greatest impact on mobility in the coming years?  

Autonomous driving will bring the most significant changes. Furthermore, I believe that vehicles will become fundamentally smaller, lighter, and more flexible – this trend will place bikes, and especially e-bikes, more prominently at the center of the mobility mix.  

3. What are your goals for IAA MOBILITY 2025, and which topics are your main focus?  

I want to inspire leaders and creative minds to take a holistic perspective on mobility. The way future mobility systems are designed will have far-reaching effects – not just on us as individuals, but also on society as a whole. That’s why we need to develop transformative solutions, even those that may initially seem unconventional. To achieve this, we need as many people as possible who are willing to channel their energy and creativity into shaping positive and sustainable mobility scenarios for the future.  

4. Which important future topic do you think is not receiving enough attention in the mobility debate?  

We need to move faster. Mobility habits cannot be changed overnight. Rebuilding infrastructure takes time, as does the development of new technologies. That’s why it is crucial to take action today so that these measures can have an impact in the coming years. We must broaden our perspective on mobility and approach it holistically. Mobility should be evaluated based on whether and how people benefit from it. Mobility is closely intertwined not only with people’s well-being and health but also with economic aspects.  

5. In which area of mobility do you see the greatest potential – and where is there still room for improvement?  

I clearly see the greatest potential in a mobility shift that promotes bikes – especially e-bikes – as the primary mode of transportation for short and medium distances. A key aspect of this is prioritizing cycling within road traffic. Streets are often predominantly reserved for cars, which has led to a significant backlog of cycling infrastructure. Cities and municipalities need to strive for a fair distribution of public space, giving preference to sustainable mobility options like cycling.  

Specifically, we need a comprehensive and well-designed network of safe, wide, and, where necessary, illuminated bike lanes that encourage people in both urban and rural areas to leave their cars behind. There is also a lack of sufficient bike parking that is weather-protected, theft-proof, and easily accessible. Additionally, bike lanes should be better integrated with public transportation – for example, by expanding options for carrying bicycles on buses and trains.  

6. Which partners or stakeholders would you like to connect with at IAA MOBILITY, and why?  

I want to connect with motivated and inspiring individuals working in the field of mobility. Making mobility fit for the future is a joint effort. It is both our task and responsibility to develop sustainable solutions for tomorrow’s future – whether as an automotive manager or a politician.  

7. How do you envision the future of mobility – and what specific changes do you expect in the next ten years?  

I envision the mobility of the future as significantly more sustainable, diverse, and people-centered. Cars, especially those with internal combustion engines, will lose their dominant place in our cities – simply due to technological advancements. Instead, the focus will shift to eco-friendly and space-efficient means of transportation, such as bikes, e-bikes, and a much better-developed public transport system for both local and long-distance travel. Cities will transform into places designed around the needs of people rather than car traffic.  

In rural areas, I see potential in combining cycling infrastructure with improved public transport and intelligent sharing models. What I truly hope for is that the mobility of the future creates spaces for connection. It should noticeably enhance the quality of life in cities and communities by combining ecological sustainability with social equity.  

Interviews at a glance