Driven by Purpose: Maxim Romain, Co-founder & CEO of Dott

Brussels has announced plans to ban shared e-scooters from January 2027, sending shockwaves through the micromobility industry.

In this episode of the Micromobility Podcast, Prabin Joel Jones sits down with Dott Co-Founder and CEO Maxim Romain for a candid, in-person conversation at Dott's headquarters in Amsterdam.

Maxim shares his reaction to the Brussels decision, why he believes the reasons given by the city do not reflect the reality of shared micromobility today, and what this could mean for operators, cities, and riders across Europe.

The conversation also explores the broader state of the industry, including Dott's journey from startup to one of the world's largest micromobility operators, the path to profitability following the Tier-Dott merger, Lime's upcoming IPO, industry consolidation, and the future of shared transportation.

Topics covered:
• Brussels' shared e-scooter ban
• Safety, parking and crime concerns surrounding scooters
• Why cities continue to embrace micromobility
• Dott's path to profitability
• The Tier-Dott merger
• Lime's IPO and industry valuations
• Consolidation in shared mobility
• The future of e-bikes, e-scooters and new vehicle types
• Building resilient companies during difficult times
• Founder mindset, purpose and long-term thinking

Maxim is one of the few founders still leading a major micromobility company after more than eight years in the industry. This conversation offers a unique perspective on where shared mobility has been and where it is heading next.

🎙 Guest: Maxim Romain, Co-Founder & CEO, Dott
🎙 Host: Prabin Joel Jones, CEO, Micromobility Industries