Source: ATOM Mobility

The latest European Shared Mobility Index from Fluctuo indicates that station-based bike sharing systems are proving to be resilient in the midst of fluctuations in the shared mobility sector, offering a variety of advantages to both operators and cities.

The index for 2025 puts the total number of shared mobility trips across Europe at 709 million, with bike-sharing services accounting for 363 million of these trips. Public bike-sharing systems generated 239 million of these trips, and privately operated schemes 124 million.

Although the Fluctuo index no longer differentiates between station-based and dockless systems, the report does state that publicly subsidised schemes are predominantly station-based, whereas private schemes primarily rely on dockless bikes; therefore it can be inferred that the majority of the 239 million trips on public shared-bike schemes were made on station-based bikes.

Shifting priorities

A clear theme emerging from the latest index is that the shared mobility market is becoming more disciplined. Operators are now more focused on locations where sustainable long-term operation is feasible, rather than chasing every possible opportunity. Cities are also becoming more selective, favouring more controlled systems that can fit in alongside existing wider transport networks.

These shifts represent favourable conditions for station-based bike sharing systems. In comparison to free-floating dockless fleets, they offer predictable parking, easier fleet management, and a strong integration with public transport networks.

The position of e-bikes

Historically, many station-based systems have operated mainly with non-electric bikes, however newer systems are are starting to incorporate more electric bike models into their fleets – 26% of station-based systems’ bikes are now electric. The Fluctuo index shows that public bike sharing systems see a significantly higher trips-per-vehicle-per-day (TVD) score for their electric bikes than for non-electric (4.6 and 2.1 respectively).

Examples of success

In Paris, the Vélib’ system features thousands of electric and non-electric bikes across an expansive station network covering a large part of the city. Its approximately 48.5 million trips in 2025 made it the highest-ridership public bike-sharing system in Europe. It has become a natural part of many Parisians’ daily commute alongside the public transport network of metro, buses and trains, indicating a high level of dependability.

Barcelona’s Bicing system also combines electric and non-electric bikes, and is strongly integrated into the city’s transport ecosystem for residential commuters. The city is going through a period of change with regard to shared mobility, after shared scooters were banned, private dockless schemes are being phased out, and the Bicing system looks set to merge with the suburban AMBici system of public dockless bikes.

Milan’s BikeMi system grew steadily with dense station placement, and enjoyed strong commuter adoption and good integration with the city’s public transport network. Its offering of both electric and non-electric bikes represents a reliable transport option for both residents and visitors.

These three examples, while differing in scale and geography, share common characteristics of good integration with city transportation networks, high station density, and predictable rider experiences.