Our Foundation Story
When I was studying at the University of Amsterdam, I noticed something remarkable: the streets were filled with people using electric mobility scooters. Everywhere I looked, I watched elderly residents navigate the city with confidence, meeting friends at cafés, shopping at markets, and living active, social lives. In other words, the mobility scooters didn’t just help people move; they helped people live.
In 2023, as my grandfather’s birthday approached. I wanted to give him the same gift of independence I’d witnessed in Amsterdam. I knew an electric mobility scooter could transform his daily life in Estonia.
But finding the right scooter turned into a frustrating journey.
The Estonian market offered few options. Worse, the scooters available were either overpriced or low-quality. There was no clear information about government benefits (see the Social Insurance Board’s overview of benefits for disabled people: Sotsiaalkindlustusamet), no reliable after-sales support, and no modern brand that truly understood what people with mobility challenges needed.
I realized this wasn’t just my grandfather’s problem — it was a problem affecting millions across Europe. 27% of Europeans face mobility challenges, yet there was no modern, reliable electric mobility scooter brand designed with their needs at the center.
From Personal Challenge to Social Mission
Returning to Estonia, I met with my best friend Jan. We shared a vision: to create a mobility scooter company that would change the industry. Not just by selling products, but by building the best electric mobility scooter.
I firmly believe that choosing the right mobility aid shouldn’t feel like solving a frustrating puzzle. Instead, it should empower people and their families with confidence in their decisions. The WHO Global Report on Assistive Technology shows that over 2.5 billion people globally need assistive technology, with this number expected to rise to 3.5 billion by 2050.
That’s how Pinge Electronics OU was born in August 2023.
Starting Our Journey in Estonia
We’re launching Pinge first in Estonia, where we identified the greatest need. Many elderly Estonians don’t know that electric mobility solutions exist or how to access government benefits to afford them. That’s why we’re changing that by:
- Making quality electric mobility scooters available in the Estonian market
- Providing clear information about government reimbursement programs, including guidance from the Social Insurance Board (Sotsiaalkindlustusamet) and relevant requirements in Estonian law (Riigi Teataja — Social Welfare Act)
- Building a network of certified service providers
Join Us in Making Mobility a Right, Not a Privilege
Whether you’re someone facing mobility challenges, a family member searching for solutions, or a partner organization that shares our vision — we invite you to be part of the Pinge story.
Together, we can ensure that electric movement becomes a fundamental human right, accessible to the 54 million Europeans who deserve the independence, dignity, and quality of life that proper mobility provides.
Jakov Sobolewski
co-founder of Pinge