Micromobility use rises as fuel costs reshape short trips

Rising fuel costs are prompting more urban travellers in the US to switch from cars to shared micromobility for short journeys, according to new data from Veo.

The company’s latest rider survey, based on more than 2,000 responses nationwide, suggests higher petrol prices are influencing behaviour, particularly among users who already have access to a car. Of those surveyed, 1,417 respondents reported owning or having access to a vehicle, offering insight into how rising costs are affecting mode choice.

Alex Keating, Vice President of Policy & Partnerships, Veo, told Cities Today the findings reflect the experiences of active micromobility riders rather than the wider travelling public.

“The findings reflect the experiences of active micromobility riders navigating rising transportation costs, even as we recognise this is not a representative sample of all urban travellers,” he said.

The survey, delivered via an in-app prompt with a small ride incentive, focused on affordability and travel decisions. While incentives can introduce bias, Keating said they are commonly used to improve participation and reduce nonresponse bias in digital surveys.

The results point to substitution for short trips, with riders opting for scooters or bikes instead of driving when fuel costs rise. However, whether this translates into sustained reductions in car use remains uncertain.

“We see this survey as one important data point and will continue to monitor rider behaviour as gas prices fluctuate,” Keating said. “Short-term spikes tend to drive trip-level substitution, but longer-term affordability pressure is where people start making bigger decisions–like whether to sell a car or delay buying one.”

Veo’s 2025 annual survey found that 41 percent of riders do not own or have access to a car, while 33 percent said access to micromobility helped them avoid or delay a vehicle purchase.

“Shared micromobility is already enabling car-free and car-light living for a meaningful number of our riders,” Keating added.

Even where behaviour changes are temporary, operators say trip-level substitution can still reduce congestion and travel costs in dense urban areas.

“Gas spikes can act as a motivator for people to try micromobility for the first time,” Keating said. “Many of those riders will find that it works reliably for their commute or errands and may continue using it even after prices ease.”

He added that broader car ownership costs remain a factor shaping travel choices beyond fuel prices alone.

Main image: Walter Cicchetti | Dreamstime.com