4 key takeaways from PolisMOBILITY 2024 Conference in Cologne

PBSC is delighted to have participated in the PolisMOBILITY Conference 2024 in Cologne, Germany, a key event that brings together mobility stakeholders to discuss the future of city transportation. The conference serves as a central forum for decision-makers to engage in dialogue about sustainable urban transport solutions, covering the transition to greener transport options, public transportation innovations, and the integration of smart technologies to enhance mobility services.

As a global leader in the micromobility field, PBSC’s presence at the conference underscores our commitment to shaping the future of urban transportation. PBSC is actively involved in these discussions to stay at the forefront of industry trends and innovations. This event offers a valuable opportunity for us to connect with our European and international partners, fostering collaboration and sharing insights on advancing micromobility solutions across diverse urban landscapes.

Curious to know more about what was discussed at the conference ? Here are PBSC's 4 takeaways.

Transitioning to a more sustainable, accessible and innovative mobility

Urban centers worldwide are actively exploring ways to reshape their transit networks to build smarter and more sustainable cities. A key aspect of this shift is the integration of shared micromobility solutions such as bike-sharing systems. These systems not only promote healthier lifestyles but they also make urban environments more livable, by reducing pollution, occupying less space and providing a convenient, active and fast way to get around for city dwellers. 

Innovative technologies play a crucial role in promoting the adoption of these active modes of transportation. A good example is our smartlock technology. By equipping e-scooters with our triangle smartlock device, we enable them to be docked at our stations, alongside our bikes. This integration not only makes e-scooters compatible with our system but also provides people with a broader range of vehicle choices tailored to their journey needs, while keeping cities organized and safe. This multimodal approach significantly enhances accessibility to shared active mobility.

Decarbonizing transport 

Cities worldwide are increasingly recognizing the need to adopt sustainable transportation solutions to combat climate change. Shared transit options play a pivotal role in this decarbonization. By providing an alternative to cars, shared micromobility helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promoting healthier urban environments.

As a pionnier in bike sharing, PBSC is at the forefront of this movement. Since the launch of our first system in 2008, our bike-sharing schemes have facilitated over 600 million trips globally, saving approximately 500 million kg of CO2 emissions. Cities like Montreal, Pittsburgh, Barcelona, and Monaco have seen increases in bike usage in their bike share systems, demonstrating the crucial role of micromobility in achieving environmental sustainability goals. 

Electrifying mobility

Discussions at the event highlighted the importance of political and regulatory measures to support and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. In bike-share programs, electric bikes are emerging as an ideal alternative to cars. They enable longer journeys with minimal physical effort, making them accessible to a broader range of individuals, including those who might otherwise avoid cycling due to physical constraints. 

Moreover, electric innovations significantly enhance the convenience of these transportation options. Innovations like PBSC's charging stations eliminate the need for battery swaps by recharging e-bikes directly at the station, ensuring their continuous availability. 

Given these advantages, many cities are integrating e-bikes into their sharing schemes. For example, Santander Cycles in London introduced its first electric bikes in 2022. Some systems have adopted fully electric fleets, such as àVélo in Quebec, Careem Bike in Dubai and Medina, and Bicimad in Madrid. Notably, Madrid hosts PBSC's largest electric fleet, with 7,500 bikes and 611 charging stations, highlighting the growing popularity of e-bikes in urban bike-sharing systems.

Enhancing infrastructures and services 

Improving infrastructure and services is crucial for making urban mobility more accessible and secure. Significant investments are necessary to develop mobility infrastructures such as cycling paths or mobility hubs. Integrating shared micromobility with public transport networks helps create a seamless, user-friendly experience that encourages more people to adopt eco-friendly, active alternatives. 

For example, PBSc’s stations are strategically located near bus, metro or train stations, to encourage commuters to use shared bikes as a first-and-last-mile option, therefore promoting multimodal journey. In 2022, 19% of Biki bikes trips in Honolulu were made by combining bike with other modes of transport.

PBCS was thrilled to attend this year’s PolisMOBILITY Conference, as we took part in insightful and exciting discussions, while connecting with our partners from Europe and worldwide.