Shifting Trends
In this urban drama, the bicycle is experiencing a significant resurgence. It's as if the trusty old bike, after years of playing a supporting role, is now stepping into the leading role in many cities. The Fluctuo report paints a clear picture of this shift. Dockless bike-sharing is experiencing a surge in popularity, with ridership increasing by 58%. Station-based bike systems are also witnessing robust growth, with ridership increasing by 12%. This increased demand is reflected in expanding fleets, with dockless bike fleets growing by 18%, and station-based bike fleets growing by 9%. The convenience of grabbing a dockless bike for a quick trip across town, or the reliability of a station-based e-bike for a daily commute, illustrates how these systems are becoming integral to how people navigate their cities.
While bicycles are enjoying a resurgence,the scooter segment is facing a different reality. Cities are increasingly implementing regulations, and the initial free-for-all approach to scooters is giving way to a more controlled environment. The Fluctuo report reveals a contraction in scooter usage. Fleet sizes have decreased by 16%, and ridership has declined by 9%. It's not necessarily a fall from grace, but rather an adaptation to a new script, one where cities are playing a more active role in directing the action.
Cities Take Center Stage
The narrative of micromobility is increasingly driven by the cities themselves. Each urban center is crafting its own unique approach, reflecting local priorities and challenges.
- Madrid's Vision: The Spanish capital has taken a decisive step by prioritizing its station-based BiciMAD system. In September 2024, Madrid banned dockless bikes and scooters in favor of its own public bike-sharing system, BiciMAD. This reflects a vision of a more organized, infrastructure-led micromobility ecosystem. BiciMAD in Madrid grew to 7,500 electric bikes.
- London's Balancing Act: London presents a different dynamic. Here, the growing popularity of dockless bike services like Lime and Forest is creating a competitive environment for the city's established Santander Cycles program, thus calling the future viability of Santander Cycles into question. This illustrates the ongoing tension between different micromobility models and the challenge of integrating them effectively. London has dropped in the rankings for top ridership due to increased competition from the aforementioned dockless operators.
- Paris's Enduring Model: In contrast, Paris offers an example of stability. Paris Vélib' maintains its position as Europe's largest bike-sharing system, highlighting the enduring appeal of a well-established, station-based program in a city that has long embraced cycling culture.
- Barcelona's Expansion: Barcelona's regional system AMBici is now fully operational. Launched in 2023, AMBici offers 2,600 electric bikes in 15 municipalities, complementing the existing Bicing program, which continues to thrive. In 2024, Bicing announced plans to expand its fleet by adding 1,000 electric bikes.
- Tri-City's Success: In Poland, the Mevo 2.0 system in Tri-City has become one of the most utilized bike-sharing schemes in Europe.
These different approaches underscore that there's no one-size-fits-all solution to micromobility in urban environments.Cities are tailoring their strategies to their unique contexts.
Efficiency and Consolidation
Beyond the modal shifts and city-specific policies, the micromobility market is also undergoing broader structural changes. While the number of shared vehicles has decreased by 4% in Europe, the sector is nonetheless experiencing growth, with total trips up by 5% and end-user revenue increasing by 10%, indicating a maturing industry focused on financial sustainability. This consolidation is also driven by mergers and acquisitions, including the Dott and TIER merger, Marti's acquisition of Zoba, Cooltra's acquisition of Cityscoot and Felyx, and Surf Beyond's acquisition of Superpedestrian's European operations, alongside market exits by companies like GreenMobility and SEAT MÓ.
Powering the Next Act
Electrification is a key driver of innovation in micromobility. Companies are increasingly integrating electric vehicles and infrastructure into their systems, and this is transforming the user experience. Lyft Urban Solutions, for example, has deployed over 42,800 bikes in Europe, with 51% of those being electric. The company has also supported cities in installing charging stations, with over 2,900 stations deployed. Cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, and Monaco, have opted for the entire station network to be electric charging stations.
The report highlights the success of this approach, with cities seeing significant growth in e-bike ridership. In Madrid,BiciMAD's fully-electric fleet saw a 30% year-over-year increase in ridership in 2024. Barcelona's Bicing network recorded 17.7 million rides. 72% of those were made on e-bikes, reflecting a 22% growth in e-bike ridership. MonaBike,Monaco's all-electric network, experienced a 14% growth in ridership in 2024.This embrace of e-mobility is not just about convenience; it's about creating more sustainable and accessible transportation options.
The European Shared Mobility Index offers a compelling snapshot of a sector in transition. We've witnessed a notable shift in micromobility preferences, revealing a growing demand for sustainable and flexible commuting options, with cities increasingly asserting control and shaping the regulatory landscape to balance innovation with urban order. This evolution is not a decline, but a recalibration, reflecting the challenges of integrating new technologies into existing city infrastructures. The diverse approaches taken by cities across Europe underscore a critical point: there is no universal solution to micromobility. Each urban environment demands a tailored strategy, one that considers local needs and priorities. From Madrid's centralized system to London's competitive market, these case studies demonstrate the ongoing experimentation and refinement of urban mobility models. The trends towards efficiency and consolidation reveal a maturing industry. While a reduction in vehicle numbers may raise questions, the concurrent growth in ridership and revenue suggests a focus on optimized operations and financial sustainability. The mergers and acquisitions documented in the report further solidify this trend, indicating a move towards larger, more established players. The increasing adoption of e-mobility solutions is undeniable. Cities are recognizing the potential of electric vehicles to enhance accessibility and sustainability. Ultimately, the micromobility sector is not static; it’s a dynamic and evolving space, shaped by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifting consumer preferences. As cities continue to refine their mobility ecosystems, we anticipate further innovation and adaptation, ensuring that micromobility remains a vital component of urban transportation.
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