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E-scooter and e-bike usage rises amidst energy crisis, says new Dott report

Posted: 18 January 2023 | | No comments yet

According to Dott’s latest data, the energy crisis has encouraged more people across Europe to travel using its e-scooter and e-bike services, with 69% of those who previously used cars now using them less.

E-scooter and e-bike usage rises amidst energy crisis, says new Dott report

Credit: Dott

Dott has announced that it has released new data which shows a change in habits from its riders as the energy crisis impacts people’s decisions in how they travel.

Based on a survey of 1,402 Dott riders across Belgium, France, Italy, Sweden and the UK, the micro-mobility operator has found that more than one third (36%) of its riders are using shared e-scooters and e-bikes more as a result of the energy crisis, rising to nearly half (49%) of those over 55.

Dott has stated that the rise in usage has been driven by people cutting down their car use. Over two thirds (69%) of those who previously travelled by car, ride-hailing or taxi have reduced their use of those energy heavy methods.

However, the data also shows that it is not just shared micro-mobility services that are being used more due to high fuel costs. Nearly half (41%) of Dott users have reported that they are using bikes (shared or private) more to move around their city since starting to use its services.

Accelerating active travel with e-scooters and e-bikes

Shared mobility is replacing car trips in collaboration with public transport, helping to provide a lower cost and more environmentally friendly alternative for longer trips. The data also shows that the majority of Dott riders (63%), connect their ride with public transport, particularly those aged between 18-24 (77%).

Furthermore, based on the 2020 new rider survey of 868 respondents, commuting trips have been found to be the most popular reason for use, with half (50%) of riders using Dott vehicles to reach work or school, and nearly two thirds (61%) to reach a private residence. Over one third (34%) of riders are now women, an increase of 48% since 2020.

Henri Moissinac, Co-Founder and CEO of Dott, said: “Our shared e-scooters and e-bikes can help lower the cost of travel, whether for a whole journey or combined with public transport for longer trips. Charged by green energy, and with our operations relying on cargo bikes and e-vans, our fleet of vehicles provide efficient, environmentally friendly and affordable travel, at a time when fuel costs are putting people’s finances under pressure.”

In addition, the data highlights that the quality of infrastructure remains to be a barrier for using shared e-scooters and e-bikes more. 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.