Bikes, mopeds, e-scooters: What’s driving increased usage of micromobility?

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TODAY'S NEWS. TOMORROW'S INSIGHTS. A daily newsletter from McKinsey & Company   Edited by Seth Stevenson   Senior Editor, New York On the move with micromobility In the news • Rocky roads. Enjoy biking on unpaved roads? Bikes designed for gravel cycling are quickly gaining popularity, with sales leaping by more than 109% from 2019 to 2021. These bikes have lightweight frames, wide tires, and gearing designed for ascending steep hills. Gravel cycling is a great workout for the whole body, fans say, and there are more than two million miles of unpaved roads in the US. A few technique tips: lower the air pressure in your tires to improve their grip, slow down when approaching a turn to avoid skidding on loose ground, and remain seated—even while climbing hills—to keep your bike balanced. [NYT] • E-biking in style. Delivery workers whizzing by on e-bikes may be a familiar sight, but electric bicycles are also becoming more common among urban commuters of all stripes in the US. Increasingly stylish designs are driving some of the interest in e-bikes, with some deluxe brands selling them for up to $4,000. American cities—which often have sprawling geographies and hilly terrain—seem particularly suited for e-biking. In 2020, sales of e-bikes outpaced sales of conventional bicycles in the US. Building more dedicated bicycling lanes in cities might give e-bikes another boost. [Quartz] "There's a massive increase in micromobility usage, in micromobility ownership, and in micromobility that is shared. People want fresh air."  On McKinsey.com • The two-wheeled commute. Micromobility is the only mode of urban transit that's increased in use post-COVID-19, says McKinsey partner Kersten Heineke. The pandemic has spurred a significant amount of adoption of e-bikes and other lightweight vehicles, as more people choose to commute in the open air. In addition, stressors on cars, such as gas being more expensive, are also accelerating adoption of micromobility. E-bikes and other micromobility options will likely continue to grow more widespread—particularly if cities create more dedicated bike lanes. • The bike of the future. Heineke foresees e-bikes and traditional cars converging into a vehicle somewhere in the middle. In Europe, there might be larger three- or four-wheeled vehicles that are still small enough to drive in bike lanes but offer more seating, weather protection, and carrying capacity. In addition to larger bikes, microcars are also coming, Heineke says. And ownership models may also look different in the future, as many vehicles will be accessed via subscription. Explore the biggest trends in micromobility. See the future of micromobility Was this forwarded to you? Sign up here. Or send us feedback—we'd love to hear from you. Follow our thinking This email contains information about McKinsey's research, insights, services, or events. By opening our emails or clicking on links, you agree to our use of cookies and web tracking technology. For more information on how we use and protect your information, please review our privacy policy. You received this email because you subscribed to the On Point newsletter. Manage subscriptions | Unsubscribe Copyright © 2022 | McKinsey & Company, 3 World Trade Center, 175 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007