Shared e-scooters and bikes fill gaps in public transport routes

Source: LEVERAGE

These light electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular for short urban trips, particularly on routes not served by tram or bus lines. Initial research from the Leverage project, a Dutch collaborative initiative involving knowledge institutions, businesses, and government agencies, highlights how these light electric vehicles (LEVs) are being used to complement public transport.

“The total market share of shared mobility isn’t large, but it is popular on certain intersections in the city. Young people, in particular, use it to get to their destinations quickly,” explains Paul van de Coevering, lecturer in urban mobility planning at Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUAS) and project leader at Leverage.

Leverage is a four-year program designed to translate insights on LEV usage into actionable municipal policies. One of its key findings is that shared mobility can significantly enhance urban transport systems by providing last-mile solutions and serving areas where public transportation coverage is less efficient.

Van de Coevering notes that better coordination of shared mobility and public transport can offer municipalities many benefits, “For example, if you want fewer cars in the city. And consider bicycle parking facilities at train stations. If people use shared bikes or scooters instead of their own, the parking facilities can be smaller in places where space is often scarce and expensive.”

The research also examines the impact of LEVs on car ownership and usage, reporting that although electric bicycles have become widely adopted, the overall market share of LEVs remains relatively limited. Nevertheless, its findings have implied that purchasing an electric bicycle or scooter does lead to a reduction in car use for many riders. About half of LEV users report riding their electric bike or scooter more frequently than their car after acquisition, although only one in ten completely replaces car ownership.

Beyond usage statistics, Leverage has explored how LEVs affect urban mobility experiences. Van de Coevering and his team conducted field studies in Breda using sensors, GPS, and smart glasses to monitor riding behavior, stress levels, and route choices as cyclists navigated around fat bikes, e-scooters, and cargo bikes. Leverage’s research has indicated that LEVs do not produce measurable stress for other road users, although certain vehicles, such as heavy electric fat bikes, have sparked public debate regarding safety regulations. A follow-up study is planned in Eindhoven, where researchers will evaluate cyclist behavior under heavier traffic conditions.

All research results will be shared with consortium participants and, where possible, made available to municipalities, public transport providers, consultancy firms, and knowledge institutions. These findings are intended to inform policymaking and guide practical measures to support the mobility transition.

Leverage is also holding an Experience Day on October 28, with a morning session for private consortium discussions, followed by an afternoon opportunity to test LEVs and hear insights from speakers. The day concludes with a networking session to discuss mobility solutions. Register to attend here.