Source: SmartCitiesWorld

The US city has reported its highest-ever annual ridership on shared bikes and scooters, with residents taking 12.9 million trips in 2025, marking nearly two million more journeys than the previous year. These latest figures reflect a rising demand for convenient, affordable transportation options, alongside continued citywide investment in shared micromobility and cycling infrastructure in the region.

The record follows strong ridership in 2024 and highlights Chicago’s expanding access to active transportation as part of its broader sustainability and mobility goals.

Both of the city’s shared bike and scooter operators reported record usage, with Divvy recording 6.8 million e-bike and e-scooter trips, and 6.1 million rides being made with Lime e-scooters. The combination of both figures reveal an overall 12.9 million shared mobility trips in Chicago.

Mayor Brandon Johnson linked the milestone to the city’s environmental and connectivity priorities. “Chicago’s record-breaking ridership on shared bikes and scooters demonstrates our collective commitment to building a greener, healthier, and more connected city,” he said.

He added: “By expanding Divvy stations, creating protected bike lanes, and investing in infrastructure that serves all modes of transportation, we’re expanding access to active transportation while building a Chicago that prioritises sustainability, equity, and opportunity for all.”

Discounted memberships, capped e-bike pricing and equity programmes such as Divvy for Everyone and Lime Access also helped support continued ridership growth as Chicago works toward a safer, more connected bike network serving all 77 community areas.

Infrastructure growth and city investment

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDoT) has continued to expand the city’s micromobility network. Acting commissioner Craig Turner emphasised the department’s responsibility for safe streets.

“CDoT is the guardian of the public way, and our teams work every day to ensure our streets work safely for everyone,” Turner said. “By expanding our bike network and implementing safety upgrades citywide, we are giving residents the infrastructure they need to choose the transportation option that works best for them.”

In 2025, CDoT added 140 new Divvy stations with more than 2,000 new docks. The department also expanded in-station charging for the operator’s e-bikes and e-scooters, improving availability while reducing manual battery swapping and lowering operational vehicle trips.

Chicago invested more than $3 million (approximately €2.5 million million) into Divvy, including subsidies to make the service more affordable for residents.

Operator highlights momentum across the city

Lyft, which operates Divvy, said the milestone reflects growing year-round adoption. “Lyft is proud to operate Divvy as Chicago reaches this incredible milestone. We saw riders continue to embrace Divvy across all seasons, from winter commutes to summer lakefront trips, and across all neighbourhoods in unprecedented numbers. That momentum tells us we’re on the right track. Lyft is invested in Chicago, ready to keep building a reliable system that works for users across the whole city.”

Safety and equity measures support ridership growth

In response to scooter safety and accessibility concerns, Chicago introduced sidewalk riding detection technology and upgraded parking compliance requirements. The city also installed more than 1,000 new bike racks and dozens of bike corrals.

“This record-breaking year for bike and scooter ridership shows how essential micromobility has become for Chicago’s residents and visitors,” said BACP commissioner Ivan Capifali. “As the City’s business licensing department, BACP continues to partner closely with the companies to ensure operations are safe, compliant and consumer focused. We’re proud to explore and support transportation options that keep our city moving.”