Interview mit Fredrik Hjelm (Voi Technology)

What does "Experience Connected Mobility" mean to you?
"Experience Connected Mobility" is a pretty accurate description of our business approach. Already 61 percent of users combine scooters with public transport. With shared micromobility, we work to strengthen public transportation, close existing gaps in the transportation system, reduce dependence on cars and thus create cities made for living. "Connected" is to be understood multidimensionally in this sense. On the one hand, we want to provide users with more direct connections - especially areas that have been poorly accessible to date. On the other hand, we want to offer better integration with public transport. Finally, we also want smart, connected cities in the digital sense. With high end geo positioning tech, sensors and a powerful processor our scooters are always connected to our cloud platform. By embracing the power of connectivity, we are not only providing a seamless and efficient riding experience but also contributing to the broader ecosystem of sustainable and smart cities.

What do you hope to achieve at IAA MOBILITY 2023?
As one of Germany's largest and most influential mobility trade shows, IAA serves as an ideal platform for us to showcase our commitment to revolutionizing urban mobility: Individual urban mobility does not need a car. Germany is undeniably one of our key markets, with our operations spanning across 29 cities and accounting for approximately one-third of our business. Our goal at IAA is to foster meaningful conversations with like-minded decision-makers who share our passion for reshaping the future of mobility. It is heartening to witness the evolving nature of IAA, traditionally recognized as an automotive trade show, as it embraces diverse mobility topics.

 Which essential topic of the future receives too little attention from the public?
While discussions surrounding engine technologies, charging infrastructure, and autonomous driving dominate public attention, an essential topic that often receives insufficient recognition is the reduction of traffic for sustainable urban mobility. The greenshift will come too late if we solely wait for every car owner to replace their fossil fueled vehicle with an electric car; we need smart mobility ideas now that save space and strengthen public transportation. Clean propulsion alone does not guarantee a truly sustainable transportation system if the sheer volume of vehicles remains unaddressed. Various studies show: More than 50% of public space is reserved for cars, and parking violations take up even more space. At Voi, we recognize the urgent need to alleviate urban congestion. We believe that achieving sustainable traffic requires a comprehensive approach that integrates well-developed public transport systems and attractive alternative modes of mobility.

In which area of mobility do you see the greatest potential and where do you see the greatest need to catch up?
Greatest potential comes with shared mobility, while curbside management needs to really catch-up: The average length of cars ranges from 3 to 4 meters, and in many cities, there are 2 to 3 parking spaces allotted per vehicle. Cities such as Berlin and Munich exemplify the pressing need for improved curbside management. By leveraging the data collected during our scooter operations, we can advocate for smarter curbside management strategies that optimize space allocation, reduce parking demand, and encourage a shift towards sustainable modes of transportation.

IAA MOBILITY is the leading global mobility platform. It connects innovators from all spectrums of mobility. Who do you want to network with in September and why?
While I value the opportunity to engage with familiar faces and foster ongoing collaborations, I am particularly excited about the prospect of talking with people from entirely different mobility sectors. By engaging with professionals from different sectors and embracing novel perspectives, we can collectively strive towards our shared vision of transforming cities into sustainable, vibrant, and people-centric spaces.

The world is fundamentally changing. Innovation and also the endeavors in the mobility sector are bigger than ever before. What is your vision of the world in 20 years?
In this era of profound change, I imagine a world transformed by innovation and a renewed commitment to sustainable living. At Voi, our vision is guided by the overarching principle of "Cities made for living". Our primary focus is on creating urban environments that are free of noise and air pollution. In 20 years, I hope to see a world where the concept of the 15-minute city has permeated urban planning around the world. It will be a world where individuals can seamlessly find their way around a safe environment and go about their daily activities without having to travel long distances or rely on personal vehicles.