Source: Fluctuo

The latest report analyses 115 European cities as well as the entire European market on shared mobility. 2023 was the year of transition in the industry, with lay-offs, mergers and acquisitions dominating the news in operators pursuit towards profitability. We dive into some of the highlights below.

European Market

The aftermath of the Paris scooter ban wasn’t as severe as initially feared, it did instil a sense of unease. Major cities like Rome, Berlin, and Brussels significantly reduced the number of scooter operators and vehicles. At a European level, there’s been a tightening of regulations imposed by cities.

Following significant fundraising between 2018 and 2021, operators encountered challenges securing additional funding. Consequently, they’ve had to adopt frugal practices, meticulously managing costs, raising prices, exiting unprofitable markets, and implementing layoffs. Nevertheless, they’ve begun to introduce new offerings, with shared bikes gaining prominence.

These efforts are yielding results. Dockless bike usage surged by over 50% in 2023, surpassing scooters that dominated the market from 2019 to 2022. Station-based bikes and free-floating cars are also experiencing robust growth.

Some operators secured their immediate future through mergers (such as ShareNow and Free2Move, TIER and Dott), while others, like Reby, Superpedestrian, and Cityscoot, succumbed.

Economic viability remains central to discussions in 2024. Will revenue from end-users suffice for profitability, or will public funding be necessary to bridge the gap, akin to the majority of station-based bike services?

“Our projections for ridership and revenue in 2024 are optimistic,” asserts Julien Chamussy, CEO of Fluctuo. “The exit of certain operators and increased tender calls will pave the way for European champions. While there may be reduced competition, the financial stability and operational control of remaining players will facilitate the continued growth of shared mobility services, benefiting European cities and their residents.

Ryder Cup of shared mobility

Europe continues to dominate the shared mobility market compared to North America, with a fleet size almost three times that of North America.

Car sharing

Car sharing continues to grow across the board, with rentals increasing by 39% and fleet size increasing by 25%, with the fastest growing markets in Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, and Denmark.

The full report can be downloaded here.