For today’s Startup for 10 we have the fantastic team from Supersmith. Excitingly, Supersmith Scooters is also one of our Silicon Gorge winners from earlier this year. Here to tell us more about their journey so far is Founder Tom Morgan.
1 – In your own words – what do you do?Â
Supersmith are inventors of the 3Scooter, a life changing alternative to a mobility scooter, for anyone that finds walking difficult. Our mission is to bring the benefits of micro-mobility to everyone, and we’re achieving this through cutting-edge technology that not only enhances functionality, but also makes the 3Scooter a joy to ride.
The 3Scooter is more stable than a traditional mobility scooter. With inbuilt robotics and wheels that are self-level, you can ride off a curb, round tight corners, and over different surfaces without tipping over. It also looks more like an e-bike or scooter than a mobility aid, with a seat that can sit our riders at eye level for better social interaction.
More than just inventors, we are collaborators. Our strong community has been instrumental in getting us this far, and working closely with our riders is at the core of everything we do.
2 – What’s the most exciting thing about what you’re doing?Â
We’re breaking the mould when it comes to Class 2 Boot Scooters and challenging the mobility sector as we know it. The patented stabilisation system in the 3Scooter was designed and developed by us and is unique to us. It means we can look to address one of the main challenges faced by traditional 3 and 4-wheel scooters and that’s tipping.
There are x5 times more fatalities per distance travelled on a mobility scooter than a motorbike. And that’s something we want to change.
3 – What are you most proud of so far?Â
Securing a patent for our stabilisation system and receiving funding from The Design Age Institute have been major milestones. This partnership led to a design collaboration with Seymour Powell, the visionary team behind Virgin Galactic. Combined with extensive user testing, we’ve developed a product that is as beautiful as it is functional, designed with both aesthetic appeal and user needs in mind.
4 – What have you found most difficult about being a startup?Â
The stop/start nature of start-ups is always tricky. It can be frustrating when you put heart and soul into a funding proposal only for it to be delayed, which means all hands to the deck when the project then goes ahead and needs to be delivered in half of the time.
5 – What would you do differently if you started now?Â
Truly no regrets at this point. Ask us again this time next year!
6 – Where do you think you’ll be in 12 months?Â
In 12 months, we expect to have completed the UK launch of the Supersmith 3Scooter and reached 100 sales. We’ll also be laying the groundwork for international expansion, while continuing to build brand awareness and trust within the mobility market.
7 – What tools/people/services/organisations from the cluster have helped you most?Â
The connections we’ve made through healthcare professionals and early adopters have been invaluable. The Bristol & Bath tech cluster has also provided access to an incredible network of innovators, technical experts, and resources that have supported our product development.
8 – What’s the best thing about the Bristol & Bath tech cluster?Â
The best part of the Bristol & Bath tech cluster is the collaborative spirit. It’s a vibrant community that fosters innovation and supports startups like ours by providing access to talent, knowledge, and key partnerships. It’s an ecosystem that encourages creative problem-solving and entrepreneurship.
9 – Who will you be nominating for a SPARKie next year?Â
We’d love to nominate one of our early ambassadors or a key partner who has provided critical feedback and support during the development of the 3Scooter.
10 – Where can we find out more about you?Â
You can follow us on our social media channels and sign up to our newsletter on www.supermith.co. We’ll also be showcasing the 3Scooter in 2025 during our test ride days, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about our product and try it out for yourself.
