E-bike and e-scooter riders are using shared vehicles more often as a result of the energy crisis and high fuel prices, according to the micromobility company Dott’s new research.
Around 36% of respondents said they are using shared e-scooters and e-bikes more often as a result of the crisis. Among riders over 55, the proportion grows to nearly half (49%).
The report evaluated responses from 1,402 Dott riders across Europe, in Belgium, France, Italy, Sweden, and the UK.
By using micromobility more, the study indicates that people are cutting back on their car use. Over two-thirds (69%) of those who previously travelled by car, ride-hailing or taxi have reduced their car trips.
“Our riders have told us that with such high fuel costs, they are using our service more, particularly those aged over 55,” Dott’s Co-Founder and CEO Henri Moissinac told Zag Daily.
“We hope that with this increased use, people will experience how quickly and effortlessly they can move across their cities using Dott’s e-bikes and e-scooters, and change their habits to continue to choose environmentally friendly travel,” said Moissinac.
According to Dott’s research, nearly half (41%) of its clients reported using bikes (shared or private) more to move around their city since starting using the service.
The majority of the riders (63%) connect with public transport, particularly those aged between 18-24 (77%). Commuting trips are the most popular reason for use, with half (50%) of riders using e-scooters or e-bikes to reach work or school and 61% to a private residence.
Over a third (34%) of riders are women, an increase of 48% since 2020.
Among the challenges for the sector, the quality of infrastructure remains a barrier to using shared e-scooters and e-bikes.
The majority of users (65%) say that better road infrastructure would make riding Dott’s vehicles feel safer, rising to nearly three-quarters (74%) of women riders.
Dott e-bike and e-scooter usage nearly doubled in 2022.
