Tag Archive: Shared Mobility

  1. Learnings from a decade of shared mobility in North America

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    Source: Zag Daily

    During the recent North American Bikeshare & Scootershare Association (NABSA) conference in Montreal, a discussion panel titled “Wheels of Change: a Decade of Shared Micromobility Innovation” reflected on the developments in North America’s bike-sharing sector over the last ten years.

    The panel, moderated by Mark Roberts of Lyft, consisted of the heads of five shared-bike systems from the US, Canada and Mexico – in Montreal, Boston, Washington, D.C., New York and Guadalajara. Each of the systems have been in operation for over a decade in those cities, and the panellists were able to share insights on a variety of successful initiatives that have allowed uptake to flourish.

    Standout innovation successes

    Montreal’s BIXI encourages staff to contribute ideas that can be transformed into operational realities, including solutions such as user-accessible cargo trailers, and catering to Canada’s climate with winter-ready bikes. A notable project was the Carrefour BIXI initiative, mobile service hubs which brought fleet maintenance to the network, speeding up repairs and reducing logistical load.

    Back in 2011, Washington’s Capital Bikeshare (CaBi) system rolled out solar-powered modular stations, which allowed for easier, more flexible and cost-effective expansion into different streetscapes. As a result, ridership leapt from 50,000 to over 1 million trips in the space of one year, and CaBi has grown steadily ever since.

    Modularity was also key in New York where Citi Bike has seen speedy and adaptive growth, with modular station designs allowing expansion into lower-density areas, while still balancing accessibility. Citi Bike General Manger, Patrick Knoth, said, “Ridership more than doubled in low-density areas, where Citi Bike is increasingly used as a first and last mile option. Whether they live downtown or in outer neighborhoods, people genuinely love biking.”

    Citi Bike also has seen growth through the introduction of in-dock e-bike charging, enabling them to streamline operations and reduce emissions, through fewer logistics-van miles and increased availability of bikes.

    Over the course of ten-plus years, the e-bike has become a significant aspect of shared-use bike fleets, and has been transformative to the long-standing systems represented in the NABSA discussion. Roberts said, “When 69% of members choose e-bikes when given the option, it’s clear they’re not just popular. They’re changing who rides, how often and how far.”

    How infrastructure and policy allow for transformation

    The Boston Bluebikes system is municipally owned and spans 13 jurisdictions, and serves as a demonstration of the positive combination of governance and infrastructure. Louisa Gag, City of Boston Transportation Planner, said, “It’s very obvious – when you have a bike share station next to a cycle path, it increases ridership.”

    Washington, New York and Montreal all have deployed targeted cycling infrastructure programmes, which have helped to boost bikeshare uptake, demonstrating how the reclamation of road space for cycling enables shared micromobility to flourish.

    Guadalajara’s Mi Bici system is fully subsidised, and integrated with the city’s public trasnport network, and also highlights the value of infrastructure investment – the network has grown from 65km in 2014, to over 330km in 2025, and the system has recorded over 34 million rides to date.

    Reflecting on the five city systems represented on the panel, Roberts stated, “These systems account for a third of all micromobility trips in North America and the growth isn’t slowing down. That kind of momentum shows how central bike share has become to urban transport.”

  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 mobility pyramid concept supports the future of sustainable urban transport

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    Source: Tomorrow.city

    EIT Urban Mobility has published the second edition of its Costs and Benefits of the Urban Mobility Transition study, the findings of which support the logic of the mobility pyramid, where active mobility and public transport are prioritised over private motorised transport, for optimum environmental and financial returns. The study was developed in conjunction with consultancy firm TRT Trasporti e Territorio.

    The mobility pyramid concept is based on that of the familiar food pyramid, and was originally conceived by Danish architecture company Jaja. The pyramid format is intended to encourage people to make more choices from the base and lower parts of the pyramid structure, and the least from the top, with Jaja stating simply that “It’s good for you, your wallet and the environment.”

    The position of different transport modes in the pyramid is a result of ranking based on their efficiency, impact on the environment, and their societal benefits.

    • Active mobility: This forms the pyramid’s base section, with net-zero emissions, and should be the most dominant mode for sustainable transport networks and systems.
    • Public transport: This forms the mid-section of the pyramid, and is an efficient, scalable mode enabling people to travel further and quicker in scenarios where active mobility is not feasible. EIT Urban Mobility emphasises that public transport systems should be “inclusive and accessible, available to all.”
    • Private motorised transport: The tip of the pyramid represents the least sustainable, but often most ubiquitous mode of transport, due to car-focused urban planning.

    The EIT Urban Mobility study’s findings support the hierarchy of the pyramid, demonstrating that active mobility and public transport translate into significant health benefits, reductions in carbon emissions, and cost savings.

    Study methodology

    The study explores three scenarios of emissions reduction through simulations in twelve city prototypes. These scenarios are evaluated using carbon emissions indicators, plus financial costs and benefits linked to the interventions, and simulated to align with the Green Deal objectives.

    Cost benefits

    The study’s third scenario, which prioritises the achievement of net-zero emissions by 2050, found that the encouragement of a shift towards walking and cycling could result in health benefits equating to approximately €850-1,170 per capita. The WHO’s Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT) is cited in the study, which has found that “greater levels of activity yielding greater benefits for individuals, particularly those who are induced into active modes from relatively inactive lifestyles.”

    Scenario three – assuming the highest reduction in private car trips – is also the one which demonstrates the greatest cost savings for transport users. A shift in habits from private motorised transport towards more public transport and shared mobility translates into the highest cumulated cost savings per inhabitant – individual savings of up to €2,900 per inhabitant in 2030, and €15,000 per inhabitant by 2050.

    The role of shared mobility

    Shared mobility solutions, such as bikes or scooters, can serve as key connection modes within the transport ecosystem, particularly for first- or last-mile connectivity to public transport and destinations. The study emphasises that, while such services have the potential to enhance accessibility, there must be proper planning in place, to allow these services to complement public transport effectively. Without holistic planning and proper integration, shared mobility can actually reduce public transport use, rather than support it.

    Investment in public transport

    The study highlights that investment in reliable, efficient public transit systems can increase ridership by 7% by 2030, when combined with regulations such as low emissions zones which are designed to discourage individual car usage. An important additional benefit is that road traffic deaths decrease when users switch from private cars to urban public transport, as trams, buses and metro systems all lead towards safer streets.

  4. OEMbikes debuts at NABSA 2025

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    Source: OEMbikes

    The LEVA-EU member marked its first appearance at the North American Bikeshare & Scootershare Association (NABSA) Annual Conference recently in Montreal, Canada, where, in partnership with Urban Sharing, it showcased its advanced shared mobility solutions.

    Represented by co-owner Nick Hielckert and North American lead Lee Jones, OEMbikes engaged with industry leaders and stakeholders to highlight its vision for the future of shared mobility.

    In collaboration with its fleet management software partners Urban Sharing, OEMbikes presented integrated hardware and software solutions designed to deliver reliable, scalable fleet solutions.

    Industry discussions at the conference focused on competition, consolidation, and strategies to challenge established players. OEMbikes emphasised a collective approach, stating that the North American shared mobility market holds enormous potential in catching up with the European market “if the right collaborations take place”. The brand advocated the need for growth through expansion of the market rather than competition for existing share.

    OEMbikes expressed gratitude to NABSA organizers, the Urban Sharing team, and the wider Montreal conference community for their warm welcome.

  5. Survey shows bicycle and scooter sharers travel more sustainably

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    Source: Way To Go

    A study of 4,100 users by the University of Antwerp and Way To Go, alongside several bike and scooter-sharing transportation services, revealed that those who use bike and scooter-sharing services drive less, and walk or use public transport more than the average Flemish person.

    This is the first study in Belgium to investigate the structural impact of bike and scooter sharing.

    Bike and scooter sharers use more public transportation and walk more often

    Firstly, the study shows that those who embrace shared bike and scooter services use the bus, tram and metro more often than the average Flemish person each week: 29% of bike users and 41% of scooter users, compared to 11% of Flemish people. They also walk more regularly: 87% of bike users and 86% of scooter users, compared to 76% of Flemish people).

    The findings show that shared bikes and scooters often fill service gaps left by public transport, such as late evening travel, areas with limited connections, or to avoid peak-hour congestion. “This confirms that shared mobility has become a necessary link in the mobility mix, not just a spontaneous choice,” said Jeffrey Matthijs, Director of Way To Go. “Shared bikes and scooters and public transport are not competitors, but reinforce each other. There are clear opportunities for public transport companies to develop combination tickets and subscriptions that integrate these services.”

    Fewer private vehicles

    The study highlights a broader shift in ownership patterns. 43% of shared mobility users do not own a car, compared with 19% of the Flemish population. Bicycle ownership is also lower (65% vs. 80%). Moreover, shared mobility is directly influencing decisions to give up private vehicles: in the year prior to the survey, 6% of respondents reported disposing of their car and 5% their bicycle.

    Demographic differences

    The research shows marked contrasts between user groups. Bike-sharing users tend to be older (average age 41), highly educated, and more likely to live in smaller households, with a nearly equal gender balance. Scooter-sharing users are typically younger (with an average age of 33), and more often students, and more likely to live with parents or in shared accommodation. Two-thirds (66%) of scooter users are male, and this group is less likely to hold a driver’s license.

    Impact on car travel

    Critics of shared mobility often argue that it replaces walking or public transport trips. The study acknowledges this but stresses that a significant number of car journeys are also avoided. Without access to shared bicycles, 17% of users would have opted to drive; for scooter users, the figure is 11%. “Micromobility partly replaces active mobility, but also significantly replaces car journeys,” Matthijs emphasized. “The net result is clearly positive for sustainable mobility.“

    The role of bike and scooter sharing in Flemish mobility

    The survey was jointly developed by eight bike and scooter sharing providers, who for the first time collaborated on a single questionnaire and data set. According to the University of Antwerp, the findings demonstrate that shared bicycles and scooters are not merely a convenience but a structural component of the Flemish mobility landscape.

    The full report can be accessed here.

  6. Reykjavík residents to consult on e-scooter regulations

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    Source: Iceland Review

    Residents of Icelandic capital city Reykjavík are invited to share opinions and suggestions for new regulations around e-scooter rental activity, via the city’s consultation portal.

    A key issue is the question of whether fixed docking stations should be established, or if the city’s existing dockless scheme should stay in place. Iceland’s National Broadcasting Service, RÚV, reports that most of the comments submitted to the portal negatively relate to the risk of accidents when scooters are left in the middle of pavements or cycle paths.

    Addressing the challenges

    Dóra Björt Guðjónsdóttir, Reykjavík City Councillor and Chair of the Environment and Planning Council, spoke to RÚV about the issue. “I know that e-scooter rentals have been very successful in connecting people in the city and making it easy for people to travel between them. It’s really part of our public transportation network. But it has also come with challenges, and it’s incredibly important to address them.” 

    She went on to outline the need for balance in the approach to regulating e-scooter rentals. “I find it important that for the users who behave well and interact with this mode of transport with respect, there is some leeway, but it must be ensured that supervision is sufficient so that there are adequate restrictions for the operators to respond when action needs to be taken. That there is a certain balance in between”.

  7. Shared mobility to be used by 25% of the global population by 2028

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    Source: SmartCitiesWorld

    Juniper Research’s new study highlights the growing role of micromobility and the need for its integration into public transport networks

    The study forecasts that a quarter of the global population will be using shared mobility services by 2028, as the industry continues to expand rapidly. The number of users is expected to grow by 46% over the next three years – from 1.4 billion in 2025 to more than 2 billion in 2028.

    The projected growth is attributed to the rapid development of on-demand transport platforms, many of which now include micromobility options such as e-scooters and e-bikes.

    Micromobility integration fuels growth

    The study highlights that a key driver of increased adoption is the integration of micromobility services into existing ride-hailing and shared mobility platforms. This enables users to access a broader range of transport options through a single app, increasing convenience and accessibility for urban commuters.

    Despite this progress, the report notes that full integration with public transportation systems remains a significant challenge, due largely to fragmented ownership and a lack of collaboration between private providers and public authorities.

    Call for public-private partnerships

    Juniper Research emphasizes the importance of effective public-private partnerships in creating seamless multimodal mobility solutions. Without coordinated efforts between city authorities and private vendors, the full benefits of shared mobility, such as reduced congestion and lower emissions, may not be realized.

    “In the short term, micromobility vendors must seek to adopt standards and pursue public/private partnerships to integrate services, to better serve public needs,” said report author Thomas Wilson. “Over the longer term, city authorities must work with shared mobility vendors to design true multimodal experiences, or congestion will not be effectively tackled.”

    Barriers to a fully multimodal market

    While e-scooters and e-bikes are well suited to inner-city travel, the lack of integration across services (often owned by competing private operators) continues to limit the potential for a truly multimodal transportation system. The report points to under-utilisation of micromobility options as a key issue holding back the sector’s full potential.

    To address this, the report recommends measures such as:

    • Expanding designated pick-up and drop-off zones for shared vehicles
    • Installing docking stations near public transport hubs
    • Encouraging interoperability between platforms

    Leading shared mobility markets

    According to the study, the 12 largest markets for shared mobility in 2025 will be:

    • China: 516 million users
    • India: 267 million users
    • United States: 125 million users
    • Japan: 44 million users
    • Taiwan: 37 million users
    • Bangladesh: 32 million users
    • Germany: 31 million users
    • Russia: 26 million users
    • United Kingdom: 25 million users
    • France: 25 million users
    • Indonesia: 24 million users
    • Italy: 21 million users

    These figures underline the widespread and growing popularity of shared mobility, particularly in urbanized and densely populated regions.

    Comprehensive market outlook

    Juniper Research’s new market suite provides detailed analysis and forecasts across 61 countries, covering more than 60,000 data points over a five-year period. The full report explores trends, opportunities, and challenges in the shared mobility sector. More information about its report Shared Mobility – For Use, Not Ownership, can be found on Juniper Research’s website.

  8. Helmet non-compliance informs Australian Capital Territory in issuing shared-mobility permits

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    Source: ABC News

    A University of Canberra observational study found that almost two-thirds of people using shared e-scooters in Canberra are riding illegally. Researchers are urging the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government to address the problem before considering adding another provider to the market.

    Other rule violations included riding with extra passengers (3%), speeding (7%), and using mobile phones while riding. The researchers noted a widespread lack of awareness about e-scooter laws and a perception that enforcement would be unlikely, increasing risky behaviours. From January–May 2025, ACT Police issued only nine infringement notices and two cautions for helmet offences. No penalties were recorded for phone use or multiple riders. Riders reported that the small number of fines hasn’t significantly influenced their behaviour.

    Impact on permit licensing

    The ACT government is reopening licenses in June, potentially allowing two operators and introducing e-bikes. However, the helmet non-compliance and other law breaches are affecting the licensing process, and authorities say these safety concerns must be addressed before issuing permits to new operators. As a notable example, former shared e-scooter operator Beam Mobility lost its licence after breaching permit terms by manipulating its fleet size, highlighting the consequences of non-compliance for companies.

    What’s next?

    Researchers recommend mandatory helmet enforcement, including collaboration between operators and the government, possibly with late-night checks. Public education on laws, and improved infrastructure such as safer footpaths, are also prioritized in their recommendations. The ACT government acknowledges the need for change, but notes e-scooter commuting peaks are during early evening rather than late at night.

    Breaking the law – whether riders failing to wear helmets, or companies breaching permit terms – directly threatens operators’ chances of securing permits. Until compliance issues are addressed, expansion plans and new licences (including for e-bikes) may be delayed or restricted.

  9. Seville and Hannover join new sustainable urban mobility planning hub

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    Source: MMB

    Both cities have joined the Sustainable Urban Transitions Lab, a research initiative set up by ETH Zurich with support from shared mobility operator Bolt. The project is designed to accelerate sustainable transport planning across Europe.

    Seville and Hannover will work with leading academics from ETH Zurich to extensively study contemporary travel trends to optimise public transport and mobility hub investments.

    Sustainable Urban Transitions Lab’s work with Seville

    The fourth largest city in Spain, a prominent figure in sustainable urban mobility, will work with the research team to optimise mass transit infrastructure plans such as trams, additional metro lines and rapid bus transit. For the project, simulation modelling analysis will be conducted to balance technical feasibility and cost effectiveness, to ensure new services can work with active and shared mobility modes seamlessly.

    Sustainable Urban Transitions Lab’s work with Hannover

    Like Seville, Hannover has also made great strides in facilitating sustainable mobility with its Transport Transition Action Programme. The city will work with the Sustainable Urban Transitions Lab team on extensively studying current travel trends to enhance mobility hub deployment for regional train networks and shared mobility, as well as local public transport connections.

    Connections between shared mobility and public transport

    The research projects for both cities will also utilise shared mobility data from Bolt for their findings. Reportedly, 47% of Bolt e-scooter trips in Europe are used for connections with public transport, and an additional 20% of the users of its ride hailing journeys have no public transit alternative, demonstrating the role of shared mobility in connecting with city transportation networks and being used as an alternative for personal car use.

    It is anticipated that both projects will support Seville and Hannover’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) which the trans-European transport network, TEN-T, now requires from its 431 urban nodes.