Vmoto

Vmoto is an Australian electric two-wheeler company headquartered in Perth, Western Australia. Its origins lie in Vmoto Motorcycles, a scooter distribution business founded by Perth entrepreneur Patrick Davin in 1999. The company later expanded from importing and distributing scooters into manufacturing, international distribution, electric-motorcycle technology and commercial fleet solutions. The Vmoto name became associated with an ASX-listed company after the Optima group acquired the brand in 2006. Vmoto subsequently pursued a series of acquisitions and partnerships intended to build a broader operating platform. In late 2006 it agreed to acquire Freedomotor, a Shanghai-based motorcycle trading and distribution business. The transaction was completed at the beginning of 2007, with Freedomotor managing director Charles Chen joining the company’s board. In 2008 Vmoto began constructing a scooter assembly facility in Nanjing, China; the plant was completed in 2009 and became a central manufacturing base for the group. Vmoto’s strategic direction shifted decisively toward electric mobility through its relationship with German electric-scooter company E-Max. Vmoto initially acquired a majority interest in E-Max in 2009 and took full control in 2010. Although the E-Max product line achieved limited sales in Australia, the acquisition established electric two-wheelers as the long-term center of the company’s business. Vmoto continued research and development and licensed certain scooter-related technology during the following years, while also increasing exports. Demand in Nepal rose sharply in 2015 amid a fuel shortage associated with the Nepal blockade, creating an important export opportunity for electric scooters. A major later turning point was Vmoto’s relationship with Super Soco. Beginning in 2017, Super Soco used capacity at Vmoto’s Nanjing facility, and the two companies appeared together at the EICMA motorcycle exhibition in Milan. The relationship was formalized in 2020 through the creation of Vmoto Soco, giving Vmoto international distribution rights for Super Soco models and making the joint venture the exclusive manufacturer of the Super Soco range. The group has also continued to distribute E-Max products. In 2019, the companies collaborated with Ducati on a Ducati-branded special-edition Super Soco scooter. Vmoto has increasingly targeted western markets, urban mobility and commercial fleets. From 2020 it supplied electric scooters to ride-sharing operators, reporting seven global ride-share customers by 2021 and discussions with additional operators. The company also supplied scooters for staff use at MotoE World Cup events and developed the Fleet Concept F01 for business and fleet applications. In 2021 it entered a strategic partnership involving Stealth Electric Bikes and C-creative, broadening its exposure to electric bicycles and related mobility products. The company began a brand revitalization program in 2021, working with a European design firm and using EICMA to present a more prominent standalone Vmoto identity. The Vmoto Stash, a premium electric motorcycle aimed at European and North American markets, became the leading expression of that repositioning. A production version was presented at EICMA in 2022 alongside an electric dirt-bike concept or model. In parallel, Vmoto expanded through local distribution, assembly and mobility-service partnerships, including arrangements in Indonesia, India, Malaysia and Thailand. Vmoto also pursued greater control of important distribution channels. After Vmoto Distribution UK entered administration in March 2023, Vmoto Limited agreed the following month to acquire the United Kingdom distributor for A$1 million, subject to the reported transaction terms. In 2025 the company announced a partnership with Uber Eats to encourage couriers in selected European cities to adopt electric vehicles and to work on a battery-swapping pilot for e-mopeds in London. Vmoto’…

Vmoto began in 1999 as Vmoto Motorcycles, a Perth-based scooter distribution business founded by Patrick Davin. Its early activity centered on importing and distributing scooters, but the company later adopted a more ambitious manufacturing and international-growth strategy. In 2006 the ASX-listed Optima group acquired the Vmoto brand. Davin became managing director the following year, and the company subsequently took Vmoto as its corporate name. The company expanded its operating base through the acquisition of Freedomotor, a Shanghai motorcycle trading and distribution business. Vmoto announced the transaction in late 2006 and completed it at the beginning of 2007. Freedomotor managing director Charles Chen joined Vmoto’s board, adding Chinese market and distribution expertise. In 2008 Vmoto began building a scooter assembly plant in Nanjing, China. The facility was completed in 2009 and provided the manufacturing platform that later supported Vmoto’s own products and partner-brand production. Electric mobility became central to the group after Vmoto entered a strategic relationship with E-Max, a German electric-scooter company. Vmoto acquired 60 percent of E-Max in December 2009 and completed the purchase in 2010. The E-Max business did not generate strong Australian sales, with fewer than one hundred scooters reportedly sold there, but its acquisition shaped Vmoto’s long-term focus on electric two-wheelers. During a difficult period after 2010, the company continued technical development and licensed green-handlebar technology to a scooter manufacturer in China in 2014. Exports improved in 2015, particularly to Nepal, where a fuel shortage associated with the blockade increased interest in electric transport. Leadership changed during this period. Davin resigned as managing director in November 2010 and was replaced by Charles Chen. Major shareholder Russel Goodman became executive chairman but was removed early the following year. The company then experienced a prolonged period of limited momentum. Phillip Campbell eventually became chairman in 2017 after a period in which the chairmanship had been vacant and the shares had been subject to a trading halt. Vmoto’s next major strategic phase developed through its relationship with Super Soco. In 2017, Super Soco relocated to underused capacity at Vmoto’s Nanjing facility. The two businesses jointly presented at EICMA in Milan, and their relationship gradually shifted Vmoto’s emphasis toward international markets outside China. In 2019, a Ducati-branded special-edition Super Soco scooter demonstrated the commercial and licensing potential of the partnership. In February 2020, the relationship was formalized through Vmoto Soco. The joint venture obtained international distribution rights for Super Soco models, retained distribution of E-Max products and became the exclusive manufacturer of the Super Soco motorcycle range. The group broadened its mobility proposition during the same period. From 2020 it supplied scooters in bulk to ride-share operators. By 2021 it was supplying seven ride-share operations worldwide and discussing potential supply with twelve more. It also entered a strategic relationship with Stealth Electric Bikes and C-creative in 2021, extending its reach beyond scooters. Vmoto supplied five scooters for use by MotoE World Cup event staff, linking the company to a high-profile electric-motorcycle racing environment. In November 2021 Vmoto began a deliberate brand relaunch, engaging a European design firm and using EICMA as the venue for a new visual and product direction. The Stash was introduced as a premium electric motorcycle for European and North American markets. Vmoto also developed the Fleet Concept F01, an electric scooter intended for business fleets and commercial operations, with a reported range of 90 kilometres and dual-disc braking. At EICMA in November 2022, the company presented the Stash again in a more developed form and showed an electric dirt bike. Vmoto has continued to grow through distribution, assembly and mobility-service partnerships. In November 2022 it partnered with Charged Indonesia, an electric-motorcycle-as-a-service provider. In December 2022, VmotoSoco signed an exclusive India agreement with FortunEV, a Future Motor Corporation group company, initially covering the CPx and a new TS model. In July 2023, Vmoto and Malaysia’s Ni Hsin EV signed a memorandum covering assembly, marketing and distribution. Other named regional partners include Zenion in the United Kingdom, Vanmo in Brazil, Modenas in Malaysia, Nova Moto in South Africa and Skipper Run in Thailand. Distribution control became another priority when Vmoto Distribution UK entered administration in March 2023. Vmoto Limited announced an agreement the following month to acquire the UK distributor for A$1 million, strengthening its direct access to dealers in a strategically important market. In 2025 Vmoto announced cooperation with Uber Eats to encourage electric-vehicle adoption among couriers in selected European cities and to develop London’s first battery-swapping pilot for e-mopeds. It also announced a Thai cooperation agreement with AJ Advanced Technologies and Guangdong DHA covering a large-scale battery-swapping and fast-charging project. Vmoto’s current identity therefore combines an Australian corporate base, Chinese manufacturing, the Vmoto and Super Soco product ecosystems, regional distribution partners and a growing focus on fleet, delivery and battery-service applications.

1. 2025Uber Eats and Thailand mobility partnerships announced

   Vmoto announced European courier-electrification work with Uber Eats and a Thai battery-swapping and fast-charging cooperation agreement.

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2. 2023UK distributor acquisition agreement

   Vmoto agreed to acquire its UK distributor after the distributor entered administration.

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3. 2022Stash and electric dirt bike shown at EICMA

   Vmoto presented the Stash and an electric dirt-bike product at the Milan motorcycle exhibition.

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4. 2021Brand relaunch and Stash unveiling

   Vmoto began rebuilding the standalone Vmoto identity and unveiled the premium Stash electric motorcycle at EICMA.

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5. 2020Vmoto Soco joint venture established

   The formal joint venture consolidated manufacture and international distribution of Super Soco products.

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6. 2019Ducati-branded Super Soco scooter introduced

   Vmoto and Super Soco produced a special-edition electric scooter carrying Ducati branding.

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7. 2017Super Soco partnership begins

   Super Soco moved production into capacity at Vmoto’s Nanjing plant and began appearing with Vmoto at EICMA.

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8. 2010E-Max becomes wholly controlled by Vmoto

   Vmoto completed its acquisition of E-Max, reinforcing its electric two-wheeler strategy.

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9. 2009Nanjing facility completed and E-Max majority stake acquired

   Vmoto completed its Nanjing assembly plant and acquired an initial majority interest in E-Max.

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10. 2007Freedomotor acquisition completed

    Vmoto completed its acquisition of Shanghai-based motorcycle trader and distributor Freedomotor.

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11. 2006Optima acquires the Vmoto brand

    The ASX-listed Optima group acquired the Vmoto brand and began consolidating the business around it.

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12. 1999Vmoto Motorcycles is founded

    Patrick Davin founded the Perth scooter distribution business that became the origin of Vmoto.

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Electric two-wheeler manufacturer and mobility partner combining Australian corporate and distribution operations with Chinese manufacturing and international market partnerships. The brand increasingly emphasizes premium electric motorcycles, urban commuting, commercial fleets, ride sharing and battery-swapping solutions.

• Vmoto StashPremium electric motorcycle2021

  The Stash is Vmoto’s premium electric motorcycle, developed as a prominent product for the company’s standalone brand relaunch. It was first shown at EICMA in 2021 and presented in a further form in 2022. Vmoto positioned it for European and North American markets, marking a move beyond primarily practical scooters and fleet vehicles toward a more performance- and design-oriented motorcycle offering.

• Fleet Concept F01Commercial electric scooter2021

  The Fleet Concept F01 is an electric scooter designed for business fleets and commercial operations. Vmoto described it as a fleet-oriented concept with a reported 90-kilometre range, dual-disc brakes and a combined braking system. Its intended applications include delivery, shared mobility and other professional uses where operating cost and fleet suitability are more important than consumer styling alone.

• Super Soco rangeElectric motorcycles and scooters2017

  Super Soco is a major electric two-wheeler range manufactured and internationally distributed through the Vmoto Soco structure. The partnership began with use of Vmoto’s Nanjing manufacturing capacity in 2017 and was formalized in 2020. The portfolio includes urban electric motorcycles and scooters, including models such as the CPx and TS referenced in regional expansion agreements.

• E-Max rangeElectric scooters2009

  E-Max is the electric-scooter brand acquired by Vmoto through a majority investment in 2009 and full control in 2010. Although early Australian sales were weak, the acquisition established electric two-wheelers as the group’s enduring strategic focus. E-Max products have remained within the group’s manufacturing and distribution portfolio alongside Super Soco and Vmoto-branded vehicles.

• Electric dirt bikeElectric off-road motorcycle2022

  Vmoto unveiled an electric dirt-bike product at EICMA in 2022 as part of the company’s expansion beyond urban scooters and road motorcycles. The available reference material does not provide a definitive model name, technical specification or broad commercial launch date.

• 2025Uber Eats courier electrification partnership

  Europe · United Kingdom

  Vmoto and Uber Eats announced work to financially encourage couriers in selected European cities to switch to electric vehicles and to establish a battery-swapping pilot for e-mopeds in London.

  Outcome. The announced outcome was a planned London pilot; implementation results are not established in the supplied material.

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• 2021Vmoto brand relaunch

  Europe · North America

  Vmoto engaged a European design firm to refresh its identity and used EICMA in Milan to present the renewed brand direction and the Stash premium electric motorcycle.

  Outcome. The relaunch increased the prominence of Vmoto-branded products within the group’s portfolio.

  Source
• 2020Electric ride-share fleet expansion

  International

  Vmoto began offering electric scooters in bulk to commercial ride-share operators across several countries, developing a dedicated shared-mobility sales channel.

  Outcome. By 2021 the company reported supplying seven ride-share operations and discussing potential supply with twelve additional operators.

  Source

• 2025Develop battery-swapping and fast-charging partnershipsStrategy

  Vmoto has been expanding from vehicle sales into infrastructure and mobility-service models for commercial users.

  What changed. The company announced a partnership with Uber Eats for a London e-moped battery-swapping pilot and a Thai cooperation agreement involving AJ Advanced Technologies and Guangdong DHA.

  Aftermath. The announced projects positioned battery exchange and rapid charging as potential components of Vmoto’s commercial electric-mobility offering; operational results were not provided.

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• 2023Acquire the UK distributorM&A

  Vmoto Distribution UK, the importer and distributor of Vmoto and Super Soco motorcycles in the United Kingdom since 2015, entered administration in March 2023.

  What changed. Vmoto Limited agreed to acquire the UK distributor for A$1 million.

  Aftermath. The transaction was intended to give Vmoto closer access to UK dealers and a strategically important national distribution channel.

  Acquisition consideration. A$1 million (April 2023)

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• 2021Relaunch the standalone Vmoto brandStrategy

  The company had become strongly associated with partner and legacy brands, while seeking greater visibility for its own identity and premium products.

  What changed. Vmoto hired a European design firm and presented a refreshed brand direction at EICMA, centered on the Stash motorcycle.

  Aftermath. Newer products increasingly carried Vmoto branding exclusively, according to the company’s historical account.

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• 2020Formalize the Super Soco relationship through Vmoto SocoStrategy

  Vmoto had worked with Super Soco since 2017, including use of capacity at the Nanjing facility and joint presentation at EICMA.

  What changed. Vmoto established a joint venture that obtained international distribution rights for Super Soco models and became the exclusive manufacturer of the range.

  Aftermath. The arrangement made Super Soco a central part of Vmoto’s international electric two-wheeler business while retaining E-Max within the distribution portfolio.

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• 2025Vmoto partners with Uber Eats on electric courier mobility

  Vmoto announced a European partnership with Uber Eats to encourage courier adoption of electric vehicles and develop a London battery-swapping pilot for e-mopeds.

  Campaign
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• 2023Vmoto agrees to acquire UK distributor

  Following the UK distributor’s entry into administration, Vmoto agreed to acquire the distributor for A$1 million, providing closer access to dealers in the market.

  M&A
  Source
• 2022Vmoto presents Stash and an electric dirt bike at EICMA

  Vmoto showed the Stash electric motorcycle and an electric dirt-bike product at the 2022 Milan motorcycle exhibition.

  Product launchProduct generation
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• 2021Vmoto begins brand relaunch and unveils Stash

  Vmoto launched a brand revitalization initiative and presented the premium Stash electric motorcycle at EICMA in Milan.

  CampaignProduct launch
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• 2020Vmoto and Super Soco establish Vmoto Soco

  The companies formalized their strategic relationship through a joint venture covering international distribution and manufacture of Super Soco electric motorcycles.

  M&A
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• 2020Vmoto expands into electric ride-share fleets

  Vmoto began offering bulk electric scooters to commercial ride-share operators in several countries.

  Other
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• 2010Vmoto takes full control of E-Max

  Vmoto completed its acquisition of German electric-scooter company E-Max after initially acquiring a majority stake in 2009.

  M&A
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• 2009Nanjing scooter assembly plant completed

  Vmoto completed construction of its Nanjing, China assembly facility, which later became important to production for the group and its partner brands.

  Other
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• 2006Vmoto acquires the Vmoto brand through the Optima group

  The Optima group acquired the Vmoto brand, beginning the company’s transition from a scooter distributor toward a broader listed motorcycle business.

  M&A
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• 2006Vmoto agrees to acquire Freedomotor

  Vmoto announced an agreement to acquire the Shanghai motorcycle trading and distribution company Freedomotor; completion followed at the start of 2007.

  M&A
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1. Vmoto
2. Vmoto official website