On this day, we remember Steve Jobs, a visionary who reshaped the way we think about technology, creativity, and innovation. Jobs, co-founder of Apple, passed away on October 5, 2011, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations. His ability to foresee and define the future of technology—from the personal computer to the smartphone—transformed not just industries, but everyday life. As we reflect on his remarkable contributions, it’s fascinating to consider how Jobs might have viewed today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape, particularly the rise of shared micro mobility.
Steve Jobs’ Vision: Innovation Beyond the Product
Steve Jobs wasn’t just a technological innovator; he was a master at understanding the human experience. Whether it was the sleek simplicity of the iPod or the intuitive elegance of the iPhone, Jobs focused on how technology could seamlessly integrate into people’s lives. He had a unique ability to see beyond the immediate challenges of technology and focus on its potential to change the way we live, work, and connect.
Imagine how Jobs might have viewed today’s micro mobility industry—the shared electric scooters and bikes that have become a staple in urban transportation. Just as he did with personal devices, Jobs would likely have approached micro mobility with a holistic vision, one that looked beyond the hardware to the overall experience.
Steve Jobs and Micro Mobility: A Visionary Approach
Had Jobs lived to see the rise of shared micro mobility, it’s easy to imagine him being fascinated by the opportunity it represents. Like personal computing in the 1980s and smartphones in the 2000s, micro mobility is a space ripe for innovation. However, while the current industry focuses largely on scaling fast and deploying more scooters and bikes, Jobs would likely have taken a different approach—one focused on perfecting the user experience and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
1. Design-Driven Micromobility
Steve Jobs was obsessed with design, and this would have been a key focus for him in micro mobility. Where today’s electric scooters and bikes are often seen as purely functional, Jobs would have reimagined them with an emphasis on aesthetics, ease of use, and integration with other devices. He would likely have envisioned a sleek, beautifully designed scooter or bike that communicated with your iPhone, allowing for seamless navigation, safety alerts, and battery management—essentially turning micro mobility into an extension of your digital ecosystem.
He would have been the one to ask: How can we make shared micro mobility not just a necessity for urban commuters, but a joy to use?
2. Holistic Ecosystem Integration
One of Steve Jobs’ defining contributions to technology was his insistence on building ecosystems. The iPhone wasn’t just a standalone product—it was the heart of a broader ecosystem that included the App Store, iCloud, and integration with MacBooks and iPads. Jobs would have likely brought this same approach to micro mobility, pushing for a system where scooters, bikes, cars, and public transportation are all connected.
Jobs could have envisioned a future where your ride isn’t just a shared scooter—it’s part of a broader mobility ecosystem that integrates with your calendar, tracks your health, and even syncs with public transport options to offer you the most efficient, personalized route possible. A Jobs-inspired system might also prioritize sustainable energy solutions, perhaps leveraging Apple’s advances in battery technology to extend the lifespan of vehicles and reduce the environmental footprint of micro mobility.
3. Rethinking the Business Model
Steve Jobs didn’t just innovate on products—he revolutionized business models. With iTunes, he fundamentally changed how music was consumed, shifting from physical sales to digital downloads and eventually streaming. Had he been involved in micro mobility, it’s possible that Jobs would have advocated for a new kind of business model, one that wasn’t solely focused on scale and quick wins, but on creating long-term value.
Rather than focusing on endless scooter deployments, Jobs might have considered subscription-based services, tightly integrated with Apple devices, that prioritize user experience and loyalty. Imagine an Apple Micro Mobility subscription—an all-encompassing service where users can seamlessly transition between scooters, bikes, and even cars, all managed from their iPhone. Jobs would have likely emphasized quality over quantity, advocating for fewer vehicles but far better ones.
Jobs’ Legacy in a Fast-Moving World
Steve Jobs taught the world that moving fast isn’t the same as moving thoughtfully. In a world where companies like Bird and Lime rushed to flood cities with scooters, Jobs might have approached micro mobility with the patience and precision that marked Apple’s product launches. He believed in getting things right, not just fast, and this approach would have had profound implications for an industry currently grappling with sustainability and profitability.
Had Jobs been involved, the micro mobility industry might look very different today—more thoughtful, more sustainable, and more closely integrated into our daily lives.
Honoring Jobs’ Legacy in Technology
As we reflect on the life and legacy of Steve Jobs, it’s clear that his influence extends far beyond the products he helped create. He changed the way we think about technology’s role in our lives, and his focus on design, user experience, and ecosystem integration continues to inspire innovation across industries.
While Jobs didn’t live to see the rise of shared micro mobility, his ideas and approach to technology are more relevant than ever. As the industry evolves, it would do well to remember the lessons he taught us: that great design, thoughtful integration, and a focus on user experience can change the world—not just for a moment, but for generations.
In celebrating Steve Jobs, we honor not just his achievements, but the mindset of innovation and possibility he instilled in all of us. And as we look to the future, we can only imagine how he might have continued to push boundaries, including in the micro mobility space, if he were still with us today.
