The North American Bikeshare and Scootershare Association (NABSA) recently presented the fourth annual Shared Micromobility State of the Industry Report for North America. 

The 2022 State of the Industry Report shows that shared micromobility ridership across North America returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2022 and reached the highest number of cities with systems across North America yet.

In 2022, at least 157 million shared micromobility trips were taken in 401 cities across North America. Systems are expanding as well, with the highest number of deployed shared micromobilty vehicles to date– 289,000

“Shared micromobility has come back stronger than ever, and is, year-over-year, demonstrating its value and importance in the transportation ecosystem,” said Sam Herr, NABSA executive director. “Shared micromobility is poised to make its greatest impact yet, but where we go from here is a choice for policymakers, government leaders, and funders. Now is the time to make big investments in scaling shared micromobility at all levels to realize the full potential of shared micromobility as a climate action tool, and one that fosters more equitable public transportation.”

Shared Micromobility Helping the Environment

The 2022 report shows that shared micromobility offset approximately 74 million pounds of CO2 emissions (34 million kg) by replacing car trips.

Thirty-seven percent of shared micromobility trips continue to replace car trips, and 64% of riders report that they used shared micromobility to connect to transit. In these ways, shared micromobility is a climate action tool that helps to decarbonize transportation.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, bikeshare trips made on e-bike have continued to increase over time, from 7 million in 2019 to almost 31 million in 2022, and e-bikes were ridden approximately 56% more than pedal bikes in systems that have both.

E-scooter trips increased as well, with 10 million more trips in 2022 than in 2021. About 65% percent of total shared micromobility trips taken in 2022 were made on e-bikes and e-scooters, and they accounted for well over half of the total vehicles deployed across North America. 

Report Shows Industry Innovation Trends

New this year, the State of the Industry Report captured industry innovation trends.

Many in 2022 had to do with electrification. Importantly, 2022 was a break-out year for the incorporation of charging stations for electric shared micromobility devices, which helps to scale electric shared micromobility.

"We must take a holistic approach to charging infrastructure when supporting micromobility," Bridget Sanderson, coordinator for the Coalition Helping America Rebuild and Go Electric (CHARGE). "Zero-emission cars, scooters, and bikes work together to serve the many needs of a community and so too must its charging infrastructure. We look forward to using NABSA's latest resources to support micromobility projects that help more people get where they need to go safely and affordably."

This year, the report also features case examples demonstrating how shared micromobility is not just an urban amenity but also provides meaningful benefits to rural communities, and a feature on US state tax policies that support shared micromobility mode choice to advance climate, equity, health, and transportation goals.

Shared micromobility continues to remain at the forefront of transportation equity with 88% of systems offering discount programs, 74% offering alternative payment options, 70% incorporating geographic distribution policies, and 69% offering education and outreach programs.

It also provides low-cost access to physical activity, and in 2022 North Americans gained almost 18.7 million additional hours of physical activity by riding shared micromobility for new trips and by replacing motorized trips.

NABSA also introduced new diversity, equity, and inclusion metrics on shared micromobility industry leadership in this year’s report, as part of NABSA’s ongoing Workforce DEI initiative.

NABSA worked with Toole Design and the University of California Berkeley Transportation Sustainability Research Center to help develop the report.