Tag Archive: shared bikes

  1. Segway powers Paris’s shared mobility

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    Source: Zag Daily

    In Paris, the majority of the 18,000 shared e-bike fleet is provided by LEVA-EU member Segway, with different models deployed by two of the three operators, offering a choice for riders of varying ages, physical abilities, and for diverse trip purposes.

    Operators Dott, Voi and Lime were selected to provide the French capital’s shared e-bike services for a four-year term from 1 October 2025, providing the city with key public micromobility options, following the ban of shared e-scooters in 2023. Segway has worked closely with both Dott and Voi on developing specific e-bike models tailored to the Paris streets and its riders, and spoke to Zag Daily about the partnerships.

    A collaborative approach

    The Paris e-bike fleets of both Dott and Voi are provided by Segway, and the models are the result of extensive cooperative design and R&D between Segway as vehicle solution provider, and the individual operating companies.

    Nicolas Gorse, Chief Business Officer at Dott, says: “The vehicle is absolutely central to the quality of service we deliver, and hence our profitability. The right design can extend vehicle lifespan, reduce maintenance needs, and optimise efficiency. All of these factors have a direct impact on our bottom line, so we place a strong emphasis on the vehicles we select and the partners we work with.”

    The Dott model which has been deployed on Paris streets is the Urban B200, which underwent months of testing in the city, enabling Segway and Dott to launch an e-bike tailored to local riding behaviour and rider habits.

    Gorse added, “We’re particularly grateful that we had the opportunity to co-develop the Urban B200 to this extent and to fully tailor it to the needs of our users. Working in true collaboration with providers is a real chance for our industry to raise the bar and deliver better experiences for riders.”

    Durability and reliability are key

    Zack Yan, Vice General Manager of the Commercial Mobility Business Division at Segway, spoke of the learnings from the company’s past operations in Paris. “It became evident that vehicle features must go beyond delivering good rides – they must endure long usage, require minimal maintenance, support swappable components, and be efficiently serviceable.”

    The Urban B200 used by Dott is equipped with a 918Wh battery, providing up to 120 km of range per charge. Gorse highlighted that, from an operator’s point of view, important attributes such as long-lasting batteries, a strong frame, minimised maintenance and comfortable features are “all contributing to a lower total cost of ownership. In a city like Paris, where demand is high and reliability is key, durability, longer battery range and improved energy efficiency translates into higher fleet availability, more rides per vehicle, better “end of ride” feedback from users and better unit economics.”

    Operator Voi has chosen the Urban A200P model, which has also been specifically tailored with Segway. Durable features include a swappable IPX7 waterproof battery, puncture-free tyres, and a wheel locking system for enhanced theft protection. For user convenience, features include a multifunctional dashboard and wireless phone charging, while the Urban B200 carries user-friendly features such as a torque sensor providing smooth pedalling, phone holders, and versatile open-design baskets.

    Tried and tested

    The most recent deployment in Paris is not Segway’s first activity in the city. During the 2024 Olympic Games, Dott rolled out a fleet of 15,000 e-bikes, all supplied by Segway. Over the course of the sporting event, over one million rides were recorded. Yan says, “Paris runs one of the largest shared micromobility operations in Europe,” says Yan. “With millions of residents and tourists, the city offers unmatched visibility and usage levels, making it a strategic showcase market for e-bike providers.”

    Segway also has also gained solid experience from Oslo, where it provides 67% of the fleet of 16,000 e-scooters through operators Voi and Ryde. Yan says, “Powering a large fleet in Oslo means constantly optimising for operational efficiency: easy maintenance, long battery life, and minimising service disruptions.”

    It has implemented a robust feedback system, enabling it to tackle operators’ pain points and to fine-tune vehicle engineering, service support and operations in a proactive and timely manner.

    Versatility of approach

    Yan spoke of Segway’s strategy in offering multiple products for single locations. “By offering a diversified product portfolio within a single city, we’re empowering operators to better serve a broader spectrum of users – riders of different ages, physical abilities, and trip purposes.”

    Reflecting on Paris as an e-bike only city when it comes to shared mobility, he highlighted the significance of its approach to sustainable mobility elsewhere. “From a broader perspective, Paris provides a real-world proving ground for what a high-volume, e-bike-first city looks like. The insights gained here not only benefit our deployments in Paris, but also inform our global e-bike strategy – strengthening our position as a go-to vehicle solution provider for cities prioritising sustainable, bike-centric mobility.”

  2. City of Leuven pilot project explores barriers to shared mobility

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    Source: Mobiel 21

    Sustainable mobility organisation Mobiel 21 was commissioned by the City of Leuven, Belgium, to analyse the barriers which people face in accessing mobility options such as shared bicycles, and to prepare a set of recommendations for dismantling those barriers.

    Shared mobility is gaining popularity in the Flanders region, with bicycles, cargo bikes and scooters among the vehicles available, however research has shown that accessibility could be improved. Those on lower incomes, the elderly and residents from migrant background communities use shared mobility less. Mobiel 21 highlights that shared mobility can act as a useful tool particularly for such vulnerable groups, providing access to a means of transport to work, school and other daily activities, without the high costs associated with purchasing, insurance, and maintenance.

    Launch of the Leuven pilot project

    The City of Leuven set up a pilot project, in collaboration with Mobiel 21 and shared transport providers VELO vzw and Cambio, with the aim of better understanding existing barriers residents experience in accessing shared mobility options. Between March 2024 and March 2025, temporary shared transport points were set up in three Leuven community centres, which actively serve neighbourhoods that are home to people in vulnerable groups.

    Residents were able to use a mix of shared mobility transport modes for a period of four months at each of the community centres – traditional bikes, electric bikes, electric cargo bikes, and a car. Participation was free of charge, in an effort to make the project as accessible as possible.

    Research during the project consisted of interviews with participants, and a focus group with community workers based at the three centres. The interviews explored with participants any barriers they experienced when using the shared vehicles, and their thoughts on shared mobility as a solution to their needs. The focus group discussed shared mobility, inclusion and mobility poverty. The community workers forming the focus group were the first point of contact for the project’s participants, assisting with registration and sign-ups with the sharing scheme providers, and gaining insights into local residents’ mobility needs.

    Identified barriers

    A range of barriers which can influence the use of shared mobility were identified by the research. With the pilot project being free of charge for participants, other factors than financial were highlighted:

    • Knowledge: Many residents did not really know what shared mobility entails.
    • Digital and practical skills: Using an app, or riding an electric bicycle or cargo bike does not come naturally to everyone.
    • How the sharing system works: Registration and making reservations can cause stress.
    • The sharing mindset: The contrast between “owning” to “shared-use” takes some getting used to.
    • Location and design of the sharing point: Proximity and recognisability of sharing points are crucial to attract users.
    • Cost: Even if rides are affordable, many people still feel financial stress, such as high entry fees, or a fear of fines.

    Recommendations for inclusive shared mobility

    Mobiel 21 drew up seven distinct recommendations which can act as a reference point to policymakers and shared mobility service providers in making shared schemes better tailored to the real-world requirements of vulnerable communities:

    • Communicate broadly, in clear language
    • Focus on personal guidance
    • Arrange practice sessions with the vehicles
    • Choose a familiar location and an offer tailored to the neighborhood
    • Simplify the registration process
    • Provide alternative methods to digital access
    • Ensure an affordable and balanced pricing model

    Based on the research results, the interviews, and the focus groups with the community workers, general recommendations can be made to make shared mobility more inclusive and better tailored to the wishes and needs of vulnerable population groups.

    The Insight document prepared by Mobiel 21 on the project can be downloaded here, in Dutch.

  3. The benefits generated by European bike sharing amount to €305 million per year, study shows

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    Sources: Zag Daily, Cycling Industry News, SAZ Bike

    A new study has shown that the substantial positive benefits of Europe’s bike sharing sector include an annual saving of 46,000 tonnes of CO2, a reduction of 760,000 hours of traffic congestion, and the creation of 6,000 jobs. An annual value of €305 million has been attributed to the benefits, alongside a significant contribution to environmental, public and economic health.

    The research, carried out by EY, aims to quantify both the economic and social returns on investment into bike-sharing schemes in 150 cities across the European Union, the UK, Switzerland and Norway. The combined fleet size is 438,000 shared bicycles, enabling millions of trips for users to connect with work, education and public transportation.

    Key annual highlights of bike-sharing benefits

    • 46,000 tonnes of CO2 and 200 tonnes of harmful air pollutants saved
    • Active mobility helps prevent 1,000 chronic diseases, leading to €40 million of healthcare savings
    • 760,000 hours of productivity saved thanks to reduced traffic congestion, valued at €30 million
    • 6,000 full-time equivalent jobs created in roles supporting the bike-sharing sector, both practical (e.g. mechanic, logistics) and in HQ environments (e.g. customer service, marketing)
    • Mobility expenses for users reduced by up to 90% compared with cars
    • Current 10% annual return on investment: €1 spent generates €1.10 in positive external outcomes

    Projected factors for further growth

    The study also looks to the future, forecasting that with continued investment and expansion, by 2030 a further 224,000 tonnes of CO2 can be saved, over 4,200 chronic diseases prevented, and almost 13,000 jobs created. This is calculated to a €1 billion annual benefit – or, put another way, a 75% return on public spending investment.

    This forecasted growth would depend on four conditions being met:

    • Growing demand due to urbanisation
    • Regulatory support and network expansion
    • Electrification of fleets
    • Integration with public transport networks and systems

    Nick Brown, CEO of bike-share operator services provider Velogik UK, acted as Study Project Lead on the research, and spoke of the report’s significance for Europe’s transport systems, and cities in general.

    “The first step is simple but crucial – recognise cycling as a form of transport, not just recreation. It deserves the same strategic investment and policy attention as roads, rail, or public transport. If governments start treating bike share and cycling infrastructure as part of the transport ecosystem, then funding follows and so do results.

    “Cities have always felt that bike share delivers social and environmental benefits – but until now, they haven’t been able to prove it in financial terms. That’s what’s been missing: a way to demonstrate the true success of bike share schemes through hard data and credible economic modelling.

    “Thanks to this study, we now have a methodology that does exactly that – it quantifies the benefits in euros and ROI. Once decision-makers can see those numbers, the case for investment becomes undeniable.”

    The EY study was commissioned by EIT Urban Mobility and CIE, and can be downloaded here.

  4. Bike sharing data shows health is improved and costs are lowered

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    Source: Saz Bike

    EIT Urban Mobility has presented preliminary data on the impact of bike sharing, coinciding with European Mobility Week, which took place from September 16-22. The data indicated positive effects in terms of lowering mobility costs, reducing emissions and boosting health.

    The full, comprehensive study, conducted by management consultancy EY, will be published in October.

    User benefits

    It has been found that over half of shared bike users combine them with public transport, and in doing so are able to dramatically reduce individual mobility costs – in some cases, by as much as 90%.

    Two-thirds of shared bike journeys replace a sedentary form of transportation, thereby increasing individuals’ active mobility.

    Wider benefits

    From an environmental perspective, there is a significant positive side. Compared to private cars, bike sharing produces six times fewer greenhouse gases, and the analysis reveals that approximately 46,000 tons of CO2 were saved in 2024.

    It is estimated that greater levels of active mobility could prevent around 900 cases of chronic illness and save the healthcare system €40 million.

    Bike sharing has a positive effect in reducing traffic congestion, with an estimated 760,000 reduced hours of congestion thanks to the transport mode.

    New jobs are created by the bike-sharing industry, an average of one job for every 75 shared bikes. A newer strand of the bicycle industry is opening up, with aspects such as system delivery, fleet maintenance and service needing to be covered.

    Final study expectations

    The final study is expected to outline forecasts for environmental, social and economic effects of bike sharing through to 2030. This will equip cities with an information foundation for the systematic incorporation of bike sharing into plans for air quality improvements and healthcare strategies, as well as transportation policy.

  5. London and Paris are the leading cities in Europe for the shared use of bicycles

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    Source: Zag Daily

    According to Fluctuo’s 2024 European Shared Mobility Annual Review, London and Paris are at the forefront of Europe’s shared bike boom, with one-third of Europe’s total shared bike trips occurring in these capital cities.

    The latest report from micromobility specialists Fluctuo reveals interesting insights into the effects of the relationships between operators and local authorities, and the role that local conditions have to play in the success of shared mobility take-up.

    Paris’s Vélib’ bike share system is Europe’s most used shared mobility service, with 49 million rides recorded in 2024. London plays host to almost one-third of all dockless bike journeys in Europe at 29 million trips.

    Paris

    Fluctuo CEO Julien Chamussy spoke to Zag Daily about the results from the French capital: “Paris has had its public bike system Vélib’ since 2007 but, despite some initial problems when the contract was renewed and taken over by Smovengo in 2018, it has become the most used bike system in the world, outside of China.

    “The success is down to the population density of Paris, but also the station density and fleet size – it’s a convenient service to use, there are always bikes available, and nearly always docking stations available to park in. It is also very cheap to subscribe, and users can get unlimited rides for less than €10 per month.

    “Another factor is the political will of Paris and Mayor Anne Hidalgo to promote cycling and reduce car usage. Paris has become a dream for cyclists, and ridership is growing fast.”

    In a separate, earlier report, Paris was ranked as the top performing city for bike sharing in Europe. Cycling Industries Europe’s Shared Ambition report benchmarked the performance of bike sharing across 148 EU cities in 2023.

    London

    London presents a different picture, with a smaller public bike share scheme that is spread over a larger surface area. Station density is lower, which Chamussy noted could lead to the service being perceived as less convenient than Paris’.

    However, in the specific case of dockless bikes, Chamussy believes the relationships which has been developed between operators and London boroughs have an important role in the success of bike share schemes.

    “Dockless bike operators have been incredibly successful because they have been allowed by the boroughs of London to deploy bikes at scale. There are now more than 30,000 dockless bikes in London whereas in Paris dockless operators have been limited to 18,000 (soon to be 15,000). This has made using shared bikes incredibly convenient in London, and operators and residents are really seeing the benefit. 

    “London will renew its bike sharing system this year, so it will be interesting to see whether the approach to the station-based or dockless system will evolve over the next 12 to 18 months.”

    He went on to outline how both dockless bikes and station-based systems can work in other cities. “Both cities are proof that dockless and station-based models can work, but they both require the right conditions to be successful.”

    Highlights of the wider shared mobility sector

    • The Fluctuo study found that there were 940,000 shared vehicles in 2024, generating 640 million trips and €2.1 billion in revenue.
    • Berlin has the most shared vehicles in Europe, with 59,000 across the city.
    • Shared mobility ridership in Europe grew 5% in 2024, despite the overall fleet size decreasing 4% since 2023.
    • Dockless bike ridership grew by 58%, while fleets increased by 18%.
    • Shared scooter fleets fell 16% in 2024, and ridership reduced by 9%. Despite this, scooters still make up 47% of all shared vehicles.

    Check the Fluctuo report here.