Frederik Hjelm, the CEO and co-founder of Voi Technology, a leading shared micromobility startup based in Sweden, has announced that the company is exploring the possibility of acquiring the scooter and bike operations of Bolt, one of Europe’s largest mobility platforms. Bolt, headquartered in Estonia, is widely recognized for its ride-hailing services but also operates shared mobility solutions such as e-scooters and e-bikes.
Hjelm made the remarks during a recent industry roundtable, suggesting that Voi sees strategic value in consolidating mobility services across the continent. The interest in Bolt’s micromobility arm comes amid a broader wave of restructuring and consolidation in the shared mobility sector, which has faced ongoing financial challenges compounded by regulatory complexities and fluctuating consumer demand.
Bolt has invested heavily in its micromobility branch as part of its ambition to become a comprehensive urban mobility platform. However, the capital intensity and operational requirements of managing fleets of light electric vehicles have led to speculation that the company might consider divesting its scooter and bike services to focus more on its core ride-hailing business and food delivery.
Voi, which operates in over 100 cities across Europe, has consistently ranked among the top micromobility players in the region. Acquiring Bolt’s micromobility operations would not only expand Voi’s geographic footprint but also potentially strengthen its unit economics by leveraging economies of scale.
Industry analysts note that such a move would be emblematic of the continued maturation of the micromobility space, where a handful of larger, well-capitalized players are expected to drive consolidation in order to achieve sustainable business models. As competition stiffens and city regulations evolve, companies like Voi are seeking ways to streamline operations while increasing efficiency and profitability.
While no formal deal has been announced, Hjelm’s public remarks indicate early-stage interest that could evolve into a significant partnership or acquisition. If successful, the integration of Bolt’s micromobility services into Voi’s platform could reshape the competitive landscape in European urban mobility.
Further developments are expected as both companies evaluate their strategic priorities amid a rapidly changing transport ecosystem.
Source: https:// – Courtesy of the original publisher.
