Podcast
Episode 87: Throttle Meets Tech Stack
Featuring
Scott Colosimo, LAND MotoAshtyn Morris, VividFront
In this episode of Marketing Moves, we break down the electrifying journey of Scott Colosimo, founder of LAND Moto. What started with BMX tricks evolved into a mission to reshape urban mobility - and LAND Moto is leading the charge. Scott shares how his experience in battery innovation and product development led to building a vertically integrated electric vehicle company rooted in Cleveland. Designed for the 95% of Americans who don't ride motorcycles, LAND's emoto bikes blend e-bike ease with motorcycle thrill. We talk ride modes, first-time rider events, direct-to-consumer strategy, and why LAND's 10-year vision is about more than just the road - it’s about impact.
Prefer to read instead of listen? Here's what we discussed:
In a world where mobility is being reimagined, LAND Moto is quietly leading a revolution on two wheels. Founded in Cleveland and born out of a childhood love of BMX biking, Scott’s company blends old-school grit with cutting-edge tech to build electric motorcycles—better known as emotos—that are as versatile as they are visionary. In a recent episode of Marketing Moves, Scott opened up about the company’s origin, mission, and future. Here’s what we learned.
From BMX to Batteries: The Origins of LAND Moto
For Scott, bikes weren’t just toys—they were tools for freedom, adventure, and learning how to fail forward. He cut his teeth on BMX tricks and suburban fort-building, unknowingly laying the foundation for an entrepreneurial mindset rooted in perseverance and resourcefulness.
That same DIY attitude followed him into the automotive industry, where he worked with Johnson Controls, a leader in battery manufacturing. “We knew everything was going electric,” he shared, “but it still felt like the future.” After scaling and selling his first company, Scott had the freedom—and the drive—to build something that could help shape that future.
Machines That Inspire Adventure
LAND Moto’s mission is simple but expansive: Machines that inspire adventure. The team started with e-bikes and motorcycles but quickly realized that electric innovation extends far beyond traditional categories. Their broader focus on “machines” now includes everything from light electric vehicles to humanoid robotics.
But adventure is still at the heart of everything they build. “Even your daily commute becomes a sensory experience,” Scott says. “You smell the coffee shop. You hear the world around you. You’re out of your bubble.”
Emotos: A New Category for a New Kind of Rider
LAND Moto isn’t building traditional motorcycles or basic e-bikes. Their flagship product, the District, sits perfectly in between. Weighing around 200 pounds—lighter than a motorcycle, heavier than a bicycle—it’s designed for accessibility and ease. In fact, 95% of LAND Moto’s customers are first-time riders.
Thanks to customizable ride modes, one bike can grow with the rider. A 14-year-old can operate it legally as a moped, while an adult can unlock performance mode and hit speeds up to 75 mph. The tech is software-defined, which means it can evolve with software updates and hardware swaps, making it a durable investment—not a disposable toy.
Vertical Integration: Innovation Without Compromise
Unlike many manufacturers that rely on third-party parts, LAND Moto chose the hard road: building everything themselves. “There was no roadmap,” Scott says. “So we had to write our own.” The result is a vertically integrated tech stack—from chassis to firmware—that ensures every element works seamlessly together.
This hands-on approach means the bikes are designed not just to look good, but to work better. They’re rugged, serviceable, and built for longevity—with swappable batteries that extend the lifecycle far beyond industry norms.
A Pragmatic Take on Electrification
LAND Moto isn’t here to preach about going electric—they’re here to offer better tools for specific jobs. “Electric isn’t for everyone,” Scott admits. “But it’s a great tool for short commutes, urban living, and those who don’t want a 700-pound motorcycle.”
Their customer-first mindset shows up in product design (swappable batteries, plug-into-any-outlet charging) and in the way they position their bikes: not as flashy luxury items, but as reliable machines that make everyday life more exciting.
Marketing Strategy: Grassroots, Not Glossy
Instead of chasing viral influencers, LAND Moto focuses on authenticity and community. “Butts on bikes,” Scott says. That means real demos, real riders, and real experiences. From Electrify Expo to overlanding trips with outdoor enthusiasts, they’re getting people on bikes and letting the product sell itself.
The brand leans heavily into experiential marketing—both online and offline. Their website includes a highly interactive bike configurator, and they’ve built an affiliate program that turns passionate customers into brand ambassadors.
Conclusion: The Future of LAND Moto
Despite facing industry skepticism and a slow-to-adapt U.S. market, LAND Moto is charging forward. They’re growing their dealer footprint (currently at 10 and counting), launching new accessories and helmets, and prepping for the release of a new District model next spring.
Ten years from now, Scott hopes LAND Moto will be known for quality products that enrich people’s lives. And if the last three years are any indication, that’s not just a hope—it’s a ride worth betting on.