The world is growing rapidly, but so are its challenges. With a global population exceeding 8 billion people, the number of cars globally has surpassed 1.475 billion. This equates to nearly one car for every 5.5 people, reflecting a staggering growth in vehicle ownership and production. This sheer volume has created cascading issues – from traffic congestion and pollution to a lack of adequate parking in urban areas. These challenges demand incremental changes to redefine how we approach urban mobility.
This imbalance underscores the urgent need for innovative mobility solutions, and it is here that leaders like Morten Rynning, the CEO and founder of CityQ, are making their mark. Recognizing that traditional approaches, like electrification, only partially address the crisis, Morten envisioned a smarter, more sustainable solution. By merging the comfort of cars with the efficiency and flexibility of bicycles, CityQ is introducing a groundbreaking alternative that reduces emissions, eases congestion, and transforms how people navigate cities. Through his leadership, Morten is solving today’s transportation problems while paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable urban future.
| Website | http://www.cityq.biz |
| Industry | Mobility Technology and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles |
| Headquarters | Oslo, Norway and Nurnberg, Germany |
| Founded | 2017 and 2020 |
| Specialties | EV, Light electric Vehicles, cargo ebike, family bike, LEV, Urban Mobility, VaaS,Vehicle as a Service, Mobility as a Service, Share riding, Autonomous, Smart City, City bike, Quadrocycle , electric vehicle, car share, bicycle, ebike, , Mobilitylab, mobility innovation, |
A Journey from Vision to Reality
Morten’s professional journey is a testament to his ability to identify global problems and craft innovative solutions. Reflecting on the inception of CityQ, Morten shares, “CityQ was born out of a realization that a local problem I noticed was a global one. Cities worldwide face congestion, CO2 emissions, parking shortages, and inadequate mobility solutions. While electrification has been a popular strategy, it only scratches the surface of urban challenges.”
Morten Rynning observed that even as 90% of new car sales in Norway being electric, urban issues like traffic congestion and insufficient parking persisted. Recognizing the need for a more holistic solution, he envisioned a transformative approach of downsizing electric cars into compact, efficient alternatives that combine the comfort of a car with the flexibility of a bike.
This vision culminated in the creation of CityQ—a revolutionary high-tech vehicle registered as an ebike, offering the convenience and functionality of a car. “By using new technology and reducing the size and emissions of vehicles by up to 90%, we address urban mobility challenges head-on,” Morten explains.
Driving Global Innovation
As the founder and CEO of CityQ, Morten manages teams in many locations. Based in Norway, he has assembled a global team of experts from diverse backgrounds, including automotive and bike industries currently operating in Germany, BeneLux, France, UK, US and India. His role extends beyond leadership as it involves shaping the concept, nurturing partnerships, and driving innovation to deliver meaningful change.
“Our team is truly global,” Morten notes. “Our engineers in Germany work with partners all over the world. And we have just established CityQ India to leverage Indian expertise within the supply chain and scaled production. This diversity and distributed collaboration is our strength, enabling us to redefine urban mobility on a global scale.”
Redefining Urban Mobility
CityQ’s groundbreaking concept of downsizing vehicles offers a glimpse into the future of urban transportation. CityQ is an electric bike designed to incorporate features of a car, effectively bridging the gap between traditional bicycles and modern automobiles.
“Our “100kg” electric car is designed to replace larger cars and vans for inner-city transportation. It’s affordable, sustainable, and efficient, capable of handling passenger transport, cargo, and service delivery,” Morten explains.
| For each km of replacing van with a CityQ | |
| 75% | Less congestion and parking |
| 90% | Less CO2 emission |
| 90% | Less energy and battery |
| 100% | Less car charging needed |
By addressing the limitations of conventional vehicles and bikes, CityQ aims to revolutionize urban mobility, reducing congestion and CO2 emissions while enhancing accessibility and convenience.
The Role of Technology in CityQ’s Innovation
CityQ’s success lies in its ability to integrate cutting-edge technology with practical design. From modular construction to remote vehicle upgrades, CityQ leverages advancements in both hardware and software.
“We’ve adopted a modular approach inspired by software development and flat-pack logistics, making our vehicles more agile and scalable,” Morten reveals. “Our subscription-based ownership model further ensures flexibility and affordability for urban users.”
This blend of innovation and adaptability positions CityQ as a game-changer in the sustainable transportation industry.
Lessons in Innovation
With a wealth of experience in launching startups, Morten Rynning brings a unique perspective to innovation. For him, the cornerstone of success lies in not focusing on the product, but rather on delivering a complete solution. And to understand and utilize the dynamics that can fulfil a disruptive change in an industry. “Creating innovation and Leadership is about addressing the entire value chain, from the product to its ecosystem and business model,” he emphasizes.
Morten’s approach is rooted in holistic innovation. He believes that while software often takes the spotlight in modern technology, combining hardware and software is crucial for creating impactful mobility solutions. His leadership philosophy also embraces Scandinavian values of flat organizational structures, promoting trust, creativity, and collaboration within the team.
“Innovation thrives in environments where people are empowered to make decisions and explore creative solutions. I focus on motivating our team to stay agile and adaptive, ensuring we remain at the forefront of industry changes,” Morten shares.
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability serves as a core principle for Morten Rynning and CityQ, guiding their mission to revolutionize urban mobility. The company provides a practical alternative to conventional vehicles, playing a crucial role in reducing urban carbon footprints and addressing environmental challenges. Its innovative vehicles are designed to reduce CO2 emissions and improve the overall quality of life in urban spaces.
Morten emphasizes the measurable impact of CityQ’s solutions by benchmarking their performance against traditional cars and vans. This approach ensures that the company delivers tangible benefits in terms of sustainability and efficiency. Beyond cutting emissions, Morten envisions a broader goal: transforming cities into spaces where people can thrive, free from the constraints of traffic congestion and pollution.
CityQ’s commitment extends beyond environmental concerns. Its vision encompasses fostering urban environments that prioritize the well-being of residents, creating a harmonious balance between mobility and livability. This holistic approach positions CityQ as a key player in shaping the sustainable cities of the future.
Cultivating Talent and Innovation
At CityQ, talent development is a priority. Morten Rynning emphasizes the importance of a connected, team-oriented approach where individuals feel valued and motivated.
“Mentorship plays a crucial role in our organization. We believe that passion drives talent development, and we strive to create an environment where employees can grow personally and professionally,” Morten explains.
This focus on nurturing talent ensures that CityQ remains an innovation hub, attracting individuals who share the company’s vision and commitment to excellence.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Urban Mobility
As urbanization accelerates, the need for sustainable transportation solutions has never been more urgent. Morten envisions a future where small, efficient vehicles dominate cityscapes, transforming the way people and goods move.
“Approximately two-thirds of urban transportation can be handled by vehicles like CityQ,” he predicts. “Our goal is to redefine urban mobility, making it more sustainable, accessible, and efficient.”
CityQ’s innovative approach and Morten’s visionary leadership are setting the stage for a new era of urban transportation, one where cities are more livable.
Morten’s journey is a compelling narrative of vision, innovation, and commitment. Through CityQ, he is addressing some of the most pressing challenges of urban mobility, offering solutions that are sustainable and transformative.
As cities worldwide grapple with congestion, pollution, and inadequate transportation, leaders like Morten inspire hope and progress. His work at CityQ exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, passion, and a clear vision for the future.
In a world that demands bold action and innovative thinking, Morten Rynning stands as a beacon of change, proving that with the right mindset and determination, we can create a better, more sustainable future for generations to come.
Key Takeaways from Morten Rynning’s Leadership Journey with CityQ
1. Revolutionizing Urban Mobility
Morten Rynning identified critical urban challenges like congestion, pollution, and parking shortages, creating CityQ as a compact, efficient alternative to traditional vehicles, blending the benefits of cars and bikes.
2. Sustainability at the Core
CityQ addresses environmental challenges by reducing CO2 emissions, traffic, and energy usage by up to 90%, showcasing Morten’s commitment to creating cleaner, more livable cities.
3. Innovative Leadership
Morten integrates a global team of experts and adopts modular designs and subscription models, ensuring CityQ’s adaptability and alignment with emerging mobility needs.
4. Empowering Teams and Collaboration
Inspired by Scandinavian values, Morten fosters trust, creativity, and collaboration, mentoring talent to drive innovation and align with CityQ’s sustainable vision.
5. Future-Oriented Solutions
Morten envisions compact vehicles dominating urban transportation, redefining how people and goods move efficiently, sustainably, and affordably in modern cities.
