Micromobility refers to small, lightweight transportation devices for short trips (typically <5 miles), including e-scooters, e-bikes, shared bicycles, and electric skateboards. The movement exploded in the late 2010s as cities sought alternatives to cars for “last-mile” transportation.
The Scooter Invasion (2017-2019)
Bird (launched 2017) and Lime (2017) deployed dockless electric scooters in cities overnight, creating chaos and controversy. Users unlocked scooters via apps, rode 15 mph, and abandoned them on sidewalks.
By 2018, Bird, Lime, Uber (Jump), Lyft, Spin, Razor, Voi, and dozens of startups flooded cities with millions of scooters. Venture capital poured in: Bird raised $415M by 2018.
The Backlash
Problems emerged:
- Sidewalk clutter (blocking wheelchairs, doorways)
- Vandalism and theft (scooters thrown in rivers, trees)
- Injuries (head trauma, broken bones—helmets rarely used)
- Short lifespan (28 days average before destruction in early models)
- Regulatory chaos (cities scrambling to regulate)
San Francisco banned Bird and Lime temporarily in 2018, issuing permits to only Scooter and Skip.
Market Consolidation
The scooter boom became a bust by 2020-2021:
- Bird IPO’d via SPAC (2021), shares collapsed 90%+
- Uber sold Jump to Lime (2020)
- Skip, Razor, and smaller players exited markets
COVID-19 killed ridership; profitability remained elusive. By 2023, Bird filed for bankruptcy.
E-Bike Renaissance
E-bikes (pedal-assist bicycles) proved more durable and practical than scooters. Companies like Rad Power Bikes, Tern, Specialized sold consumer models ($1,500-5,000), while Citi Bike (NYC), Santander Cycles (London) added e-bikes to fleets.
Sources:
- Micromobility industry analysis: McKinsey (2021)
- Bird bankruptcy: https://www.reuters.com/legal/bird-global-files-bankruptcy-2023