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.
As the urgency to reduce transport-related emissions intensifies, utility company ESB is leading a national initiative to reshape how people move through cities and towns. It has launched a pilot programme of electric mobility hubs that are designed to provide communities with convenient access to shared electric vehicles (EVs), e-bikes, and e-cargo bikes.
Transport remains the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland, accounting for more than 21% of total emissions in 2023, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. As urban areas expand and populations grow, traditional car ownership contributes to increased congestion, emissions, and limited access to parking.
While electric vehicles present a cleaner alternative to petrol and diesel cars, ESB and its partners argue that a deeper shift in thinking is necessary—one that prioritises shared and multimodal transport systems over private car ownership. Shared mobility solutions, including short-term rentals of vehicles and bikes, can reduce both environmental impact and urban space demand. Research indicates that a single shared vehicle can replace between four and eight privately owned cars.
Launch of eHubs: A multimodal green transport solution
In response and in alignment with its broader goal of achieving Net Zero by 2040, ESB has launched its first series of multimodal eHubs, beginning with four pilot sites, including Westside Library Car Park in Galway. Developed in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin, Atlantic Technological University, and Enterprise Car Club, and funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), these eHubs aim to provide practical, low-carbon transport alternatives.
Each hub includes an ESB charging station dedicated to two shared electric cars from Enterprise Car Club, accessible via its mobile app. Users can also rent four ESB-branded e-bikes and one e-cargo bike through a separate ESB eHubs app. Further eHub locations are planned in Dundrum (Dublin), Letterkenny (Donegal), and Waterford City in the coming months.
In addition, three EV-specific hubs have been established in the greater Dublin area—Swords, Sandyford, and Malahide—featuring shared EVs from GoCar and Yuko.
Connecting communities to greener choices
By integrating shared electric transport options into local infrastructure, ESB’s eHubs offer a cost-effective, low-emission alternative to private car ownership. These facilities not only make sustainable travel more accessible, but also support a broader vision of a connected, multimodal transport ecosystem—linking shared mobility with public transport, cycling, and walking.
Donal Phelan, Head of Innovation at ESB Group, emphasised the importance of such initiatives in the transition to a greener future:
“We continuously strive to explore the potential of new technology to achieve ESB’s Net Zero by 2040 goal through three key objectives: decarbonising energy, building resilient infrastructure and empowering customers to live more sustainably.”
As Ireland works to meet its climate targets, eMobility Hubs may play a crucial role in transforming urban transportation by helping communities to reduce emissions with enhanced convenience and connectivity.
The ShareDiMobiHub initiative focuses on encouraging the use of shared transport among groups that currently make limited use of such services.
In Rotterdam’s peripheral neighbourhoods, the adoption of shared mobility tends to be lower, and cost is often cited as a barrier. To address this, residents in four peripheral neighbourhoods are being offered a €50 monthly travel credit for two months. This credit can be used for electric shared bicycles, cargo bikes, and scooters. The aim is to improve access to shared transport and to assess its potential value for these communities.
Awareness campaign
Mobility consultancy Mobycon is responsible for coordinating the awareness campaign associated with this initiative. The campaign is designed to inform residents about the travel credit and to encourage participation. Around 16,000 residents received an informational letter, and several trial events were organised to allow individuals to test the shared vehicles and ask questions. To support new users, two mobility coaches have been appointed. The initiative also leverages local social media channels and the networks of neighbourhood managers to engage a broader audience and lower the barriers to participation.
Research and monitoring
As part of the project, research is being conducted to evaluate its impact. Data is being collected through surveys, usage statistics, and group discussions to determine whether the combination of financial incentives and outreach efforts leads to increased use of shared transport. The research also explores the potential for long-term behavioural change and a shift towards more sustainable modes of transport. Coordination with European partners is included in the scope of the project, building on experience from previous collaborations such as BITS and MegaBITS.
Contributing to sustainable urban mobility
This initiative illustrates a practical approach to involving residents in the mobility transition. It supports the broader goal of creating smarter, more sustainable, and accessible urban transport systems.
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.
The Finnish government is introducing a new legislative proposal which would grant local authorities more control over shared micromobility vehicles such as electric scooters.
The move is part of a wider effort by Finland to enhance road safety and clamp down on reckless riding, with the ultimate aim of eliminating road traffic fatalities by 2050. Measures include a new blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.5 for riders which will be accompanied by increased enforcement measures. Traffic controllers will be able to breathalyse cyclists (including riders of e-bikes) and riders of light electric vehicles.
The proposal introduces a micromobility licence, which would allow city authorities to set their own rules on operating hours, speed limits, and parking restrictions.
Sofia Johansson, Senior Specialist at the Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications, emphasised the importance of local decision-making when speaking to Cities Today. “The micromobility licence provides municipalities with an effective way of guiding services while considering local conditions. The need for regulation varies between municipalities, and licence conditions must reflect those differences.”
The proposed introduction of the 0.5 BAC limit, and the enabling of traffic controllers to administer breathalyser tests, would align micromobility regulations with motor vehicle laws. The proposal also details new traffic control devices, and using geofencing to ensure that use of designated parking areas is adhered to.
Johansson also highlighted the role of technology, and flexibility, in supporting compliance. “Technology plays an important role in improving safety, especially through solutions like geofencing and speed limiting. The micromobility licence conditions will enable service providers to implement these measures effectively.” She added, “The legislation does not restrict the introduction of new technologies. All innovations that enhance safety are warmly welcomed.”
Johansson went on to note that, by allowing municipalities to make crucial decisions on fleet sizes and designated parking zones, the new framework could serve as a working model for other cities. “These measures ensure better organisation and reduce clutter, which has been a common issue elsewhere.”
A referral debate on the proposal will take place in the Finnish Parliament before proceeding to committee review. If approved, the statutory amendments are expected to take effect on 1 May 2025.
The UK-based research highlights the need for greater accessibility in shared micromobility services.
A recent study has found that over half of disabled individuals believe shared micromobility services such as e-scooters and e-bikes could enhance their quality of life. However, improvements in accessibility and safety are needed to make these services more inclusive.
Research overview
The study, commissioned by the Motability Foundation in partnership with the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC) and Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK), examined the benefits and challenges disabled people experience with shared micromobility services. The research included surveys of over 780 participants, focus groups, co-design workshops, and interviews with industry stakeholders.
Key findings
Currently, only 10% of disabled individuals surveyed have used shared micromobility services. The most common reasons for non-use included the inaccessibility of the vehicles and a lack of information on how to find and book them.
Among those who had used these services, 70% felt confident using them, compared to just 32% of non-users. Additionally, 53% believed that shared micromobility could positively impact their lives, citing benefits such as increased access to outdoor activities, sustainable travel options, and greater spontaneity in their mobility.
Barriers to accessibility
The study identified several major obstacles preventing disabled individuals from fully utilising shared micromobility services:
Vehicle inaccessibility: Many participants reported difficulties mounting or operating e-scooters and e-bikes.
Low confidence: A lack of familiarity with these services made some disabled individuals hesitant to use them.
Limited awareness: Many respondents were unaware of how to access and book these services, and some booking platforms were incompatible with assistive technologies.
Recommendations for improvement
The report highlights three key areas for improvement:
User-friendly digital platforms: Ensuring that booking apps and service platforms are accessible and inclusive.
Increased awareness and education: Providing better information and guidance to help disabled individuals understand and confidently use shared micromobility services.
A significant barrier to progress is the absence of clear legislation governing shared micromobility, which the study found to be a limiting factor in innovation and accessibility improvements.
Next steps
To tackle these issues, the report urges the government to implement comprehensive regulations that promote accessibility, safety, and innovation in shared micromobility services. It also encourages providers to continuously evaluate and enhance their vehicle designs and digital platforms.
As an initial step, a pilot project will be launched to raise awareness of these services among disabled individuals. The initiative will offer hands-on experiences to help build confidence and encourage wider adoption.
Expert insights
Harry Fisher, Innovation Manager at the Motability Foundation:
“This exploratory research has given us valuable insight into disabled people’s views on shared micromobility.
“We can see there is great potential for these services to provide a sustainable way of travelling for disabled people, but more work is needed to make them truly accessible and safe.
“We are committed to supporting accessibility, inclusivity and safety in this sector as it grows, working alongside disabled people, transport providers, government, and local and regional authorities.”
Richard Dilks, Chief Executive of CoMoUK:
“This is an important and ground-breaking piece of research, which clearly shows that disabled people are aware of the benefits of shared transport and would like to use it more often.
“It also shows that there is much work to be done to make the existing offering more accessible and inclusive, and the findings contain a number of key lessons for operators and government in particular.
“We know from our previous work that micromobility schemes such as e-scooters and bike sharing have the potential to be transformative, improving people’s health at the same time as cutting road congestion and air pollution and freeing up space in cities. It is crucial that nobody is left behind as we embrace these sustainable forms of transport, which must be made as accessible as possible at the design stage.”
Gordon McCullough, CEO at RiDC:
“Not being able to go where you need to has a huge impact on all aspects of life – securing paid work, connecting with friends and family and accessing vital services, such as healthcare.
“Shared micromobility services have the potential to change that, so it was encouraging to see that many disabled people who have previous experience with them are confident about their use.
“The work now needs to be done to ensure that these potentially life changing transport services are accessible and available to all. Listening to disabled people from the outset and building their feedback and suggestions into the final design are crucial. When you design inclusively it benefits the whole population.”
Porto needs public bicycles and fast, says TMP President.
Porto has yet to implement a public bicycle-sharing system, but it is essential and should be introduced as soon as possible, according to Marco Martins, president of Transportes Metropolitanos do Porto (TMP). Martins emphasized the importance of developing a shared bike network across municipalities in the Porto Metropolitan Area (AMP) while ensuring collaboration with local authorities.
“It’s something we want to invest in, naturally, but always in dialogue and consensus with the municipalities, which are the holders of the public space and the concession,” Martins told reporters upon arriving at the AMP headquarters in Porto. His first full-time day in the role began with a public transport commute from Gondomar via the Unir bus and Porto Metro.
Currently, bike-sharing systems in the region operate at the municipal level. Martins pointed out the limitations of this approach, stating, “I can’t pick up a bike in Matosinhos and leave it in Gondomar, or in Gaia and leave it in Póvoa [de Varzim].”
He stressed the need for an integrated mobility approach, where various transport options work together to improve accessibility. “The more transport is promoted, the more tools and alternatives there are in soft mobility, the more citizens can use them,” he explained.
TMP, the newly established transport authority, will oversee the Unir network and manage the Andante ticketing system, which is used across all AMP public transport services. Additionally, two advisory bodies—the Metropolitan Mobility Council and the Advisory Council for Mobility Technologies—are set to be formed to address mobility challenges in the region.
The idea of a public bike-sharing system in Porto is not new. In March last year, urban mobility expert Paula Teles advocated for the creation of a bicycle network integrated into the Andante system.
“Porto doesn’t have this yet and it has to: public bicycles have to appear. And they have to appear quickly. Private companies alone aren’t enough. It has to be a public effort. We need to buy a lot of bicycles, […] they have to be almost free, and they have to be part of the Andante,” she stated.
Paula Teles also highlighted the growing challenges of urban traffic, particularly in high-tourism areas, where cars are increasingly restricted due to the dominance of pedestrians.
LEVA-EU member Segway-Ninebot supplies the lion’s share of e-scooters to the Norwegian capital’s shared micromobility operators, helping support the city’s aims to be emissions-free by 2030.
Oslo has been investing in sustainable transport for some time and has recently doubled its shared e-scooter fleet from 8,000 to 16,000 e-scooters, with operator permits extended from one to two years, and the operational area substantially expanded. Three operators – Voi, Ryde, and Bolt – have been named as tender winners in this new phase which starts from April 1. Thanks to robust products and strong customer support, global vehicle solution provider Segway supplies more than two-thirds of the Oslo fleet.
Empowering operators
Segway is providing its latest e-scooter for both Swedish company Voi and Oslo-based operator Ryde, both of whom were already operating in Oslo with Segway vehicles before the recent announcement. “We provide 67% of Oslo’s shared e-scooters to transform urban mobility,” said Yao Yao, Strategic Product Manager of Segway-Ninebot’s Commercial Mobility Business Division when speaking to Zag Daily.
Yao Yao continued: “By empowering operators to win tenders in Oslo, Segway has the opportunity to help provide the city and its riders with greater safety, a smoother, and more enhanced riding experience. Segway supports operators by offering advanced vehicle solutions that improve operational efficiency, durability, and ease of maintenance. This contributes to the growth of sustainable businesses for operators and the long-term sustainability of urban transportation.”
Segway focuses on close collaboration with its customers and reducing the total cost of ownership of its vehicles as a way of empowering shared micromobility operators.
Collaborative approach
Ryde CEO, Tobias Balchen, says, “To secure a competitive tender like Oslo you need strong hardware, which Segway offers. The hardware is only one of several important components in offering a winning tender. Operational routines to ensure the best operations for the city and our customers and parking compliance are other essential components.”
Yao Yao elaborated further: “Segway has a strong and collaborative relationship with Voi and Ryde, built on trust, open communication, and a shared commitment to improving urban mobility with tailored vehicle solutions. We actively engage with our clients and value their feedback, using it to refine and improve our products and services. This allows us to continuously adapt to their evolving needs and ensure that our solutions align with their operational goals.”
Yao Yao cited a specific example illustrating the collaborative, supportive approach when the operators faced challenges thanks to Northern Europe’s harsh weather conditions and varied terrain. “In response, we tailored and improved our vehicle design and standards to better handle these challenges, enhancing both the weatherproofing and overall durability of the e-scooters. This improvement helped Voi and Ryde reduce maintenance downtime, lower costs, and provide a more reliable service for their riders, ensuring smoother operations year-round.”
The result of this collaborative approach is a service that’s welcomed by both the city and users. A stable and reliable fleet leads to high utilisation rates, financially sustainable operations for operators, and an increased modal shift to green mobility.
Reducing total cost of ownership
Segway commits to optimising its customers’ Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), which helps to ensure the viability and longevity of the shared micromobility business model. Segway shared details on how their latest model, the Apex D110L, enables these aims.
It features a 1147Wh battery which provides a range of 100 kilometres, reducing the need for frequent battery swaps and easing operational demand. Its power is reduced to 0.85W when on standby mode, further enhancing operational efficiency and reducing dependency on the electrical grid.
An IPX7 waterproof rating for key parts, PU-filled tires and 360 degree visibility all aim to enhance the vehicle’s durability in varied terrains and weather. Adding to durability is the e-scooter’s 7,000 series aluminium stem, which has been subjected to a 600N thrust force and 300,000 tests.
Replacing each consumable part of the D110L takes less than seven minutes, and disassembly can be completed in less than three, improving maintenance efficiency and costs.
In terms of software, the D110L’s onboard geofencing and high precise positioning is designed for smarter operations along with Gen-3Sg IoT technology.
Yao Yao says, “By delivering reliable, safe, user-friendly and easy-to-maintain solutions, Segway enhances operator’s operational efficiency and strengthens unit economics, fostering sustainable and profitable urban mobility. This empowers operators to ensure long-term business viability and helps clients to reinvest in scalable growth.”
Comprehensive data is available for the first time on shared mobility in Belgium. By the end of 2024, more than 40,000 shared vehicles were in operation, including 21,721 shared bicycles, 18,764 shared scooters, and 8,976 shared cars.
Flanders accounts for the largest portion of shared bicycles, with 64% of the total. Meanwhile, Brussels and Wallonia hold 35% and 1%, respectively. When it comes to shared scooters, the highest concentration is in Brussels, which hosts over half (52%) of the country’s 18,764 scooters.
24 million trips taken on shared bikes and scooters in 2024
Beyond the sheer number of available vehicles, their usage is also noteworthy. Shared bikes and scooters were used for a staggering 24 million rides throughout 2024. Flanders leads in bike usage, accounting for 76.7% of all rides, whereas Brussels dominates scooter usage with 63.6% of all trips.
Nearly 2 million active users
In 2024, there were 722,997 active users of shared bicycles and 1,237,280 users of shared scooters. Preferences for bike-sharing systems differ by region.
In Flanders, nearly 80% of trips involve back-to-many systems with fixed stations, such as Antwerp’s red Velo bikes, which can be dropped off at any designated Velo station. However, only 40% of shared bikes in Flanders belong to this system. In contrast, Brussels users favor back-to-many bikes without fixed stations (i.e. such as those from Dott and Bolt) which can be left at designated drop zones marked in the app. Although these bikes account for less than half of Brussels’ supply, they represent two-thirds of all shared bike trips in the region.
Availability drives usage
An important takeaway from the report is that increased shared bike and scooter availability leads to greater usage. “That is an important conclusion,” says Jeffrey Matthijs, director of Way To Go. Notable trends include the high usage of electric back-to-many bikes without fixed stations in Brussels (4.1 rides per day per 1,000 residents) and those with fixed stations in Flanders (2.9 rides per day). Meanwhile, Brussels stands out for its shared scooter usage, boasting 7.8 scooters and 16.6 rides per day per 1,000 residents.
Brussels leads in shared mobility density
Brussels has the highest density of shared vehicles, with 6.1 shared bikes and 7.8 shared scooters per 1,000 residents. Flanders follows with 2.0 bikes and 1.0 scooter per 1,000 residents, while Wallonia trails with 0.1 shared bike and 0.6 shared scooters per 1,000 residents. “Internationally, the Brussels Region scores better than cities such as London and Rotterdam, but it lags behind frontrunners such as Paris,” notes Matthijs.
Car sharing sees 22% growth
The number of car-sharing users in Flanders has surged, rising by 22% to reach 46,599 active participants in 2024. This figure includes users of round-trip and private shared cars, but excludes free-floating car-sharing services due to a lack of reported data. As a result, the true number of car-sharing participants is likely even higher.
A comprehensive review of shared mobility
The data comes from Way To Go’s latest shared mobility report. While the organization has previously published annual car-sharing figures, this marks the first time bike and scooter sharing have been systematically analyzed.