New report explores urban mobility trends

The number of multi-mobility users across Europe grew by 27% between 2021-2022 while the number of multi-modal trips – using e-scooters, e-bikes, e-mopeds and car-sharing – grew 221%, new research suggests.

Across Europe, 73% of rides were taken by e-scooter and 27% by e-bike and in the UK the number of micro-mobility rides grew by 200% in 2022 alone.

The figures, published in a new report by Free Now, also show that the number of overall taxi and minicab trips increased by more than 50% in the UK during 2022, with London standing out in the rankings of top cities by number of trips taken. 

The report is based on the behaviour of 48 million Free Now users across Europe.

It highlights the emerging urban mobility trends across the UK and Europe for 2023, including the increasing demand for micro-mobility options and the road to net zero emissions. 

Maruisz Zabrocki, UK general manager of mobility app Free Now, said: “The UK is one of our fastest growing markets and we’re proud to be the leaders in the licenced taxi market.”

Zabrocki says that its research has shown that almost two-thirds (60%) of Europeans want one mobility app that integrates all mobility options, instead of individual apps for each transport mode – be it taxi, car sharing, e-bikes or public transport.  

“As such, we will continue to encourage our users to combine the various transport modes we have on our app and move from an ownership concept to a shared service that can be booked on demand,” he added.

Urban travellers have increased their expectations regarding sustainability; 91% of Europeans consider sustainable transport options more important or at the same level of importance as before the energy crisis. 

Commenting on the changing urban mobility trends, Professor Stephen Joseph, from the University of Hertfordshire Smart Mobility Unit and chair of Smart Transport, said: “This isn’t just about getting around more easily – it’s about the way we want towns and cities to be. Less dominance by private cars means more space for people, green spaces, parklets and cafes, and breathable air.”

The report identifies four key trends for the year ahead, including the concept of the 15-minute city, single app solutions, flexible mobility spending and collaboration for green mobility.