Kõu Mobility

Kõu Mobility Group is an Estonian holding company that operates a portfolio of brands in the micromobility sector. The founders, including Kristjan Maruste, Heigo Varik, and Teet Praks, first collaborated in 2011 on an electric race car project during a Student Formula event. This experience led to the establishment of Comodule in 2014, a company specializing in providing IoT (Internet of Things) solutions for light electric vehicles, connecting them to the internet. As the e-scooter market expanded, the group vertically integrated its operations, opening its own factory in Tallinn, Estonia, to ensure quality and sustainability.

The group's business model is centered on controlling the entire value chain, from in-house product development and manufacturing to direct-to-consumer sales and services. This structure allows for rapid innovation and response to market needs. Kõu Mobility Group consists of four main business units that operate independently: Comodule (IoT solutions for light electric vehicles), Äike (manufacturing of electric scooters for B2B and B2C markets), Tuul (a shared electric scooter rental service featuring its own sustainably produced scooters), and Ampler (a developer of lightweight electric bicycles). Tuul's scooters are noted for being made from 42% recycled materials and are over 90% recyclable. The acquisition of a majority stake in Ampler Bikes in February 2023 further solidified the group's position in the electric bicycle market. The group primarily serves the European market but Comodule's IoT products are distributed globally.

The overarching mission is to promote emission-free transportation and create quieter, cleaner urban environments. The group's CEO, Kristjan Maruste, has been recognized as the EY Estonia Entrepreneur of the Year in 2023. The entire group employs over 300 people and has connected nearly one million vehicles worldwide as of early 2023.

Keywords: micromobility, electric scooters, electric bicycles, IoT solutions, shared mobility, sustainable transportation, urban mobility, vertical integration, light electric vehicles, vehicle manufacturing, e-scooter rental, connectivity, cleantech, Ampler, Tuul, Äike, Comodule, Kristjan Maruste, Heigo Varik, Teet Praks