Disrupting Car Culture with Selana and the Bondi Boys
- Author
- Arje Cahn
- Published
- Tue 29 Apr 2025
- Episode Link
- https://share.transistor.fm/s/3242da7e
In this episode of Impact Innovators at the Fireside, we sit down with Chingiskhan Kazakhstan and Max Schalow, the determined founders of SELANA and Bondi. From their chance meeting over shared Chinese takeout as international students to becoming pioneers in sustainable urban mobility, they share their remarkable five-year journey to create the Netherlands' first legal e-scooter.
Around our campfire, we explore how these innovators persevered through shifting regulations, financial challenges, and multiple moments of near-defeat to transform urban transportation. They reveal how their vision extends beyond just selling e-scooters – they're building a future where shared, sustainable vehicles replace car dependency in cities worldwide.
The conversation dives into critical questions about safety concerns, battery recycling, and how to measure real environmental impact. We also discuss their bold vision for cities in 2040 – spaces with zero traffic deaths, autonomous transport, and vibrant, car-free public areas.
Join us for an authentic look at the intersection of environmental impact, regulatory innovation, and the resilient entrepreneurial spirit driving meaningful change in how we move through our cities.
- (00:00) - Disrupting Car Culture with Selana and the Bondi Boys
- (02:33) - Early Days
- (03:40) - Birth of the Mobility Idea
- (06:00) - Downsides of Car Ownership, Pollution
- (07:33) - Launching from The Netherlands
- (11:37) - Market Research and Competition
- (13:12) - From Bike Sharing to Estep Sharing
- (14:12) - Learning from the Competition
- (16:22) - Future Plans and Expansion
- (17:50) - Demo ride
- (19:09) - Product Tech
- (21:36) - Taking cars off the road
- (25:56) - Longevity and Sustainability
- (26:54) - Battery Replacement and Recycling
- (28:38) - Impact on Urban Mobility
- (29:48) - Oh Shit Moments
- (31:52) - Team Dynamics and Growth
- (33:39) - Production and Quality Control
- (34:15) - "That's What Makes us Keep Working"
Relevant Links
- 🛴 SELANA Creating road-legal e-scooters and sustainable mobility solutions
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Note: This episode was recorded in late 2024. Regulations and market conditions discussed may have evolved since recording.
Production credits and thanks yous:
Music by Allerd van den Bremen
