Micro Mobility: Bike, Scooter Sharing up 31%
Do you remember 2017 when shared scooters appeared out of nowhere on city streets across North America? These controversial conveyances were immediately branded as a pariah that would never last. Yet these pesky scooters and their more acceptable docked bikeshare systems are still here and, according to a new report by the North American Bikeshare and Scootershare Association (yes, this Association actually exists!) usage of Bikeshare and Scootershare systems is growing at an impressive rate. These things are evidently here to stay! Micromobility is no passing fad – it’s a serious mode of transportation that’s getting more popular by the year.
Of the 225 million shared micromobility rides in 2024, 171 million took place in the U.S., while Canada and Mexico saw 27 million rides apiece. Docked and dockless shared bikes had 62% of the market while docked and dockless scooters make up the 38% balance. More growth in coming years is seen in the docked bike market with the advent of e-bikes to the scene. Who wants to pedal when all you have to do is twist your wrist?
A further benefit of increasing shared bike and scooter use is found in the following statistic compiled by the industry Association:
Shared micromobility offsets approximately 101 million pounds (46 million kg) of CO2 emissions by replacing auto trips across North America in 2024, and 403 million pounds (183 million kg) of CO2 emissions in the last five years.
This is a big deal, folks.
The continued existence and remarkable growth of bike and scooter share systems have no doubt been augmented by tighter regulations on use and the advent of geo-fencing to automatically control where and how fast the scooters/bikes can go. These regulations have made scooters more politically palatable but may also be suppressing ridership. At any rate, more and better regulation and control is needed and should result in a more mature and acceptable use of scooters. More protected bikeshare and scootershare lanes on busy streets are also needed. As such facilities are added to cityscapes, greater use of bikes and scooters should result. Now, if we could just get these damned things off the sidewalks of South Park and on to the bike lanes where they belong!
By John Nilsson