The data reveals a surprising trend among European youth, showing that the most active app on their cell phones is not the widely popular TikTok, but rather an unexpected contender: the E-Scooter app, which tracks electric scooter usage.

Shared electric scooters have quickly become a popular short-distance mobility tool, spreading across Europe and the United States over the past two years and attracting the attention of investors.

In 2020, European shared scooter companies outpaced their U.S. counterparts in investment and financing, with industry insiders and investors indicating that Europe offers a more favorable environment for the success and sustainability of shared scooters compared to the United States.

The electric scooter landscape in Europe has become a highly competitive arena, with major industry players such as Uber, Lyft, Google, Spin, BlaBlaCar, and local leaders like Voi, Tier, Wind, and Dott dominating the market. U.S. giants Lime and Bird are also aggressively vying for market share. However, lurking behind these prominent companies is a “hidden champion”—Nine, a manufacturing supplier that holds a significant market share and exerts considerable influence on the industry.

The term microtransit, or micromobility, refers to small, lightweight vehicles intended for single-person use and typically operating at speeds under 25 km/h. Micromobility devices include bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric balance scooters.

Though the original definition of microtransit stipulated that the total vehicle weight should be less than 500 kg, modern microtransit largely revolves around shared scooters and bicycles, both human-powered and electric. These modes of transport are designed to tackle the “last mile” challenge, connecting commuters to bus and subway services.

The origins of the microtransit revolution trace back to 2002, when Segway introduced the balance scooter—an electrically powered personal transportation device that garnered significant attention. However, Segway’s vision for an urban micro-transportation revolution ultimately fell short, as the device was viewed as an expensive, oversized toy with limited battery life. Financial difficulties led to Segway being acquired by the emerging Nine Company.

Following the acquisition, Nine effectively integrated intelligent, cost-efficient concepts with Segway’s product technology, evolving into a more cohesive and competitive entity in the microtransit market.

Over the following decade, Nine’s electric scooters successfully addressed the limitations of Segway’s original design. Advancements in battery technology led to the development of more powerful and cost-efficient batteries, enabling the scooters to travel 20 to 30 miles per charge. Simultaneously, improvements in communication technology allowed for the integration of GPS and 4G data connections, making it possible for users to connect to scooters via a mobile app. This app offers a range of features, including interactive safety tutorials, maneuvering assistance, vehicle setup, lost vehicle tracking, online firmware updates, and real-time malfunction reporting, all of which enhance the overall user experience.

Electric scooters, known for their user-friendly design, ease of learning, and compact size, have quickly become a popular transportation choice in cities of all sizes. Their affordability, compared to cars, along with their lighter weight and faster speeds than bicycles, make them an attractive option for low- and middle-income city residents. Additionally, the standing position requirement allows electric scooters to be easily used by individuals in business attire, broadening their appeal and user base.

In addition to their widespread popularity among European youth, electric scooters have gained traction among environmentally conscious commuters around the world. This surge in electric scooter usage aligns with increasing concerns about sustainable urban transportation solutions, positioning these vehicles as a viable option for reducing carbon footprints and promoting greener cities.