Between February 11th and March 2nd, 2026, we conducted a survey of more than 3,000 adults across Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver in partnership with Covo Intelligence. The findings indicate that shared e-bikes and e-scooters are becoming embedded in daily travel behavior, with measurable effects on affordability, travel experience and connectivity.

Our three key findings

1. Commuting demand has returned

Commuting patterns have largely stabilized, with nearly three-quarters of respondents working in person or in hybrid arrangements and about half expecting to spend more time in the office.

In line with this trend, however, friction across urban transportation continues to be high. More than 80% of respondents report experiencing frustration related to traffic congestion, distance from transit or limited transportation options.

That said, results show that access to shared micromobility may be able to help address this friction. More than 50% of respondents say e-bikes or e-scooters would make their commute easier. In New York, that number rises to nearly two-thirds.

These results suggest shared micromobility has the ability to be a practical addition to everyday commuting, and there may be potential for those who don’t already utilize it or have reasonable access to it.

2. Cost pressure is reshaping transportation

Nearly 90% of respondents across surveyed markets report they’ve had to adjust their daily behavior due to cost of living increases. Some markets find that these adjustments are pervasive across 98% of respondents.

Results indicate that this cost pressure has begun to affect transportation choices, with reliability and affordability ranked as the top two priorities across all cities. Additionally, while cost pressures are influencing broader lifestyle decisions, there are early signs this extends to where people choose to live, with 50% of respondents saying access to shared micromobility would influence those decisions.

As a result, lower-cost and more predictable transportation options are becoming more important, positioning shared micromobility as a flexible, affordable way to get around without the financial burden of car ownership.

3. Infrastructure and safety are priorities for micromobility adoption

When asked what would improve their experience using micromobility, respondents consistently prioritize:

• More protected bike lanes

• Safer driver behavior

• More space for non-car travel

• Better street maintenance

• Clearer rules for all road users

Two-thirds of respondents say they would ride more often if protected bike lanes were available. Support for action is strong, with 71% of respondents indicating that cities should continue investing in safer street infrastructure.

These findings reinforce a clear relationship between infrastructure quality and micromobility adoption.

The “wind in your hair” mental health effect influences micromobility use

More than half of respondents report that they don’t spend enough time outside on a typical weekday, while nearly 80% say being outdoors improves their mood.

Micromobility brings outdoor time into everyday travel, turning commutes and short errands into chances to be outside, as opposed to forms of transportation that tend to be enclosed.

What this means for cities

These findings point to several consistent implications for how micromobility usage is simultaneously affecting and being influenced by trends across North America:

• Demand for flexible, multimodal transportation is increasing

• Cost and reliability are central to travel choice

• Infrastructure investment directly influences adoption

• More time spent outdoors produces a better sense of well-being

Together, these trends suggest that shared micromobility is an increasingly integral component of urban mobility systems.

About the study: Covo Intelligence conducted an online survey of 3,013 adults ages 18 to 55 across Chicago, New York (Queens and Brooklyn), Seattle, Vancouver and San Francisco between February 11 and March 2, 2026. Each market included a representative gender balance and at least 100 respondents who use shared micromobility services at least a few times per year.