VeloConcerts is an innovative start-up from Vienna that creates a unique link between sustainable mobility and mobile event technology. At its centre is the so-called VeloStage – a fully foldable, transportable stage mounted on an electric cargo bike. This mobile stage can be set up within a few minutes and offers artists a flexible, emission-free opportunity to perform almost anywhere – whether in a park, at a city festival or directly in front of a museum.
The special thing about VeloConcerts is that the entire infrastructure – from sound and lighting technology to power supply and stage elements – is built into the bike itself. This makes the stage a real plug-and-play solution for mobile events and concerts.
The idea behind the start-up
VeloConcerts was founded by the Danish opera singer and creative mind Jonas Skielboe, together with the Viennese industrial designer Jakob Illera from INSEQ Design. Their motivation was clear: to make art and culture visible – even in places where there is no traditional stage. The idea developed rapidly, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many cultural institutions came to a standstill.
“At the time, we realised how much the cultural sector was reliant on central infrastructure – and wanted to create a solution that was mobile, sustainable and yet professional,” explains Jonas Skielboe in an interview.
The start-up has its finger on the pulse of the times: environmental friendliness, urban mobility and low-threshold access to culture go hand in hand here.
Technology that inspires: how the VeloStage works
The stage is mounted on an electrically assisted cargo bike and can be folded out into a fully functional concert stage in just a few minutes. It offers:
- Place for up to eight musicians
- An integrated sound system with high-quality speakers
- Lighting technology for performances even in the evening
- A mixing console and optional stage equipment
- A self-sufficient power supply with rechargeable batteries charged with green electricity
Special attention is paid to the sustainable choice of materials: Lightweight construction with elements from the aviation industry ensures maximum stability with minimum weight. The stage has a modular design, which makes repairs and adjustments easier.
“We wanted to create something that is easy to transport, still sounds good and works on any street or square – without a lot of technical effort and without having to lay power cables across pavements,” continues Skielboe.
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Flexible deployment options throughout Europe
VeloConcerts has made a name for itself in a short space of time. The VeloStage is already on the road in many European cities – both as a rental model for individual events and as part of event series and cultural campaigns. Cities, cultural institutions, festivals and NGOs are increasingly relying on the concept to utilise public spaces in new ways.
The application scenarios are diverse:
- Street music and pop-up concerts
- Stage for political or social actions
- Cultural events in urban spaces
- Entertainment at bicycle demos or sporting events
- Marketing campaigns with a sustainable image factor
VeloConcerts not only offers the technology, but also complete organisational support on request – from route planning and artist placement to technical support on site.
A stage for the green city of the future
VeloConcerts fits perfectly into the concept of the “city of tomorrow”: car-free, lively, inclusive and environmentally friendly. The cargo bike not only replaces vans or delivery vehicles, but also makes events independent of large stages, power connections or logistics teams. This saves CO₂, space and resources – and brings culture to exactly where people live and move.
“We see our stage as a democratic medium – we bring art to where people are, not just in auditoriums or halls. This opens up spaces for dialogue and cultural participation,” emphasises Skielboe.
The VeloStage is also an asset from an urban planning perspective: it revitalises public spaces, activates civic participation and can be quickly adapted to changing conditions. Smaller municipalities or neighbourhoods with a small budget in particular benefit from the cost-effective alternative to the classic stage.
VeloConcerts in portrait: press, prices and prospects
The response to the Viennese start-up has been consistently positive. Media such as ORF, Der Standard, Trending Topics and Tech & Nature have reported extensively on VeloConcerts. The project has also caused a stir in the start-up scene. It has won several awards, including the Greenstart competition for sustainable business ideas.
VeloConcerts is currently working on scaling up the model even further: The aim is to provide a VeloStage in every major city in Europe. The technical components are also to be further developed and digitally networked – for example with sensor technology, tracking or an online booking system.
VeloConcerts brings culture to the point – climate-friendly and flexible
Whether jazz, rap or theatre – the VeloStage is more than just a stage. It is a statement for sustainability, cultural participation and creative urban development. With its concept, VeloConcerts has proven that big ideas don’t need a lot of space – just two bikes, a battery and a passion for music and people.
“We believe that culture can’t wait – it has to go where it’s needed. And that’s exactly what we do with VeloConcerts,” summarises Jonas Skielboe.
