Studio Sunstone

Short

Effortless from doorstep to doorstep. uBee is an electric or non-electric cargo scooter that can be converted into a trolley within 3 seconds, provides you ergonomic comfort to transport you and your goods, makes it nimble to navigate and compact to store.

uBee is awarded with the Red Dot award, supported with a VLAIO grand and is part of the Start it @KBC Accelerator. 

Pain & Solution

As cities prioritize micromobility and public transport over cars, the lack of efficient luggage-carrying solutions becomes evident. Carriers like bikes, are bulky and difficult to store in smaller dwellings, caddies are old-fashioned & slow and sharing economy could be a mess for other city lovers, unsafe and often still a walk away.

We have identified a gap in the market when it comes to transporting goods over short distances. To address this, we introduce uBee, a unique vehicle that combines the compact and easy-to-store size of an (E-)scooter with the safety and stability of a bike, especially when carrying goods.

With uBee, our focus is on providing private ownership of the vehicle. This means you won't have to worry about distant pickup points, particularly when you need to transport goods. Research shows that a significant majority (77%) of micromobility users prefer owning their own vehicles due to the desire for flexibility.

Business Model

uBee's go-to-market strategy is designed to establish a strong presence in European major cities, targeting both local and international markets. The primary focus for the first year is to penetrate Belgian cities, including Brussels, Antwerp, and Gent. In the second year, uBee will expand its reach to major cities in neighboring countries. By 2029, the goal is to make uBee available in the most important Western European cities.

To ensure a successful market entry and sustainable growth, uBee will maintain control over the commercial chain, enabling close customer contact and the ability to respond quickly to market demands. Initially, production and logistics will be outsourced, allowing uBee to focus on core competencies.

Key elements of uBee's business model include:

1. Online Sales: uBee will primarily sell directly to customers through an online platform. By avoiding distributors, uBee aims to eliminate additional intermediaries, reduce consumer prices, and maintain a direct relationship with customers.

2. Localized Service Support: To provide efficient operations and effective customer service across international markets, uBee will collaborate with freelance professionals, known as "flying doctors," in each active country. These individuals will offer localized service support and assist international retailers in delivering exceptional customer experiences.

3. Distribution Strategy: uBee plans to gradually shift its distribution strategy from direct sales to more sales via retail. The first year 12% will be sold via retail to 50% by 2026 and eventually 70% by 2029. As the company expands into international markets, partnerships with retailers will be established to facilitate sales and improve market penetration.

4. Test Drives: To build trust and convince potential customers, physical testing of the product through test drives is crucial. uBee will offer test drives that can be booked on demand, either at the customer's home or through test events, pop-up stores, and local markets. These opportunities will allow customers to experience the product firsthand and make informed purchase decisions.

5. Self-Service and Repair: uBee is designed to be user-friendly and easily maintainable. End users will have the ability to repair their vehicles, and if necessary, they can seek assistance from flying doctors or retail partners. This approach ensures customer empowerment and promotes a sense of ownership.

6. Pricing: uBee will be sold at a consumer price, including 21% VAT, of EUR 800 for the standard version and EUR 1,800 for the electric version. This competitive pricing aims to attract customers while maintaining profitability for uBee.