The U.S. Micromobility Shift: From Lagging Behind to Leading the Future

For decades, the United States has trailed behind Europe and Asia in embracing micromobility. While cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Beijing normalized daily cycling decades ago, American cities remained rooted in car-centric design. But that is changing and fast.

Across the country, a confluence of cultural shifts, policy reforms, and economic pressures is accelerating the rise of e-bikes, scooters, and shared micromobility services. This transformation is not just about transportation; it’s about real estate, workplace strategy, urban planning, and lifestyle.

Why the U.S. Has Been Behind and Why That’s Changing

As noted by McKinsey & Company, Europe and China enjoy deeply integrated cycling infrastructure. Dense urban centers, mixed-use development, and shorter average trip distances made biking a logical and enduring choice for daily mobility. In contrast, the U.S. built wide highways and sprawling suburbs, embedding a dependence on cars.

This physical infrastructure is a major barrier to change. But it’s being eroded by cultural momentum. With 46% of Americans saying they’d consider giving up car ownership in the next decade, the tide is turning. New priorities like sustainability, work-life balance, and urban vitality are driving a rethink of how we move.

Tariffs, Costs, and What That Means for Shared Models

Despite growing interest, cost remains a hurdle. According to PeopleForBikes, U.S. tariffs on imported e-bikes—particularly from China—have historically driven up prices, restricting access for many consumers. While some relief has been achieved through negotiations, tariffs on many bike models remain substantial.

This economic friction reinforces the value of shared e-bike programs, especially in commercial and multi-tenant residential properties. By offering micromobility as an amenity, landlords and employers can remove cost as a barrier, while also supporting ESG goals and differentiating their properties.

As global supply chains remain volatile, local fleet solutions provide stability and scalability—making them a smart alternative to waiting for retail prices to drop.

Cities That Show the Future

American cities are no longer content to lag behind. As of 2024, PeopleForBikes reports that 234 U.S. cities now score 50+ on their bikeability index—a dramatic rise from just 33 in 2019.

Notable leaders include:

·         Minneapolis & St. Paul – Bold investments in protected lanes and trail systems

·         Cambridge, MA – Aggressive infrastructure overhauls and bike-first zoning policy

·         Salt Lake City, UT – Public-private initiatives supporting shared micromobility

·         Portland, OR – Longtime national leader in cycling accessibility

·         Austin, TX – Rapidly growing bike networks and multimodal design integration

These cities are not just improving convenience; they’re reshaping expectations. Tenants, employees, and residents increasingly view micromobility as a baseline, not a bonus.

Public Policy & Private Opportunity

Federal action has also played a pivotal role. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) allocated $1 trillion for transportation infrastructure, including dedicated funding for bike lanes, trails, micromobility corridors, and new avenues for bike systems to secure infrastructure investments. Advocacy from organizations like PeopleForBikes has helped ensure micromobility is on the national agenda.

For real estate developers, tenant experience teams, and workplace strategists, this creates a unique alignment: public funds and policy are paving the way, but private sector action is needed to deliver the on-the-ground experience.

Fleet e-bikes, when implemented smartly, become the bridge between infrastructure and adoption. They make micromobility tangible, immediate, visible, and scalable.

Why It Matters Now

This isn’t theoretical anymore. The groundwork is laid. The barriers are falling. And the demand is rising.

·         Consumers want alternatives to car ownership

·         Cities are investing in safe, connected infrastructure

·         Tariffs still affect individual affordability

·         Policies support public-private mobility solutions

The result? A window of opportunity for buildings, businesses, and communities to lead.

Whether you’re managing a property in Minneapolis or launching a new project in Austin, offering e-bike access is more than a tenant perk—it’s a competitive advantage rooted in where the world is going.

Conclusion

Micromobility is no longer a fringe trend or future idea. It is an emerging standard, reshaping urban life and property value. The U.S. may have been late to the party, but the pace of change is accelerating—and those who move early will define what comes next.

If you’re ready to explore how fleet e-bikes can position your property or workplace for this shift, the time to act is now.

Sources:
- McKinsey & Company: What is Micromobility?
- PeopleForBikes: U.S. Bike Infrastructure Progress
- PeopleForBikes: Tariff Updates