Fluctuo releases their European Index Annual Review for 2024

Source: Fluctuo

The latest European Index Annual Review 2024 has arrived from mobility enablement specialists Fluctuo, offering a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of shared mobility in Europe.

Supported by Aon, Lyft Urban Solutions, EIT Urban Mobility, and the POLIS Network, the report reveals significant growth and shifting dynamics in the sector.

Key findings:

• The European shared mobility market has expanded to 940,000 vehicles.
• Ridership has increased by 5%.
• End-user revenue has reached an impressive €2.1 billion.

A changing competitive landscape

Industry consolidation has strengthened the position of dominant European players and regional champions. However, these established operators now face a new yet familiar competitor: station-based bike-sharing systems.

The rules of engagement have changed. No longer is success solely about deploying the largest fleet and winning over users. Instead, operators must now prove to city authorities that their services align with public interests.

The battle between station-based and free-floating models

Station-based bike operators advocate for structured, investment-backed systems, arguing that physical docks help regulate public space usage. A notable example is Madrid, where authorities banned dockless bikes and scooters in September 2024 in favour of the city’s own bike-sharing network, BiciMAD.

Free-floating bike and scooter services offer flexibility and convenience at no cost to cities – often even generating municipal revenue. In London, the rising popularity of dockless providers such as Lime and Forest has sparked debates about the future viability of Santander Cycles.

For now, station-based schemes appear to hold the upper hand. However, as demand for flexible, dockless mobility options continues to grow, will cities resist or adapt to this shifting trend? The coming years will be crucial in determining the future of urban shared mobility.

Read the full report here.