In spring 2024, we surveyed 2,000 riders in 14 countries to see if they chose scooters over cars in 2023.

Based on the results, we estimated the CO₂ emissions avoided by shifting from cars to scooters. Our calculations show that Bolt scooters helped replace more than 52 million car kilometres and nearly 10,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions.

But first, why replace cars?

A private car offers comfort and flexibility. But it’s also guaranteed to sit idle 95% of the time, and it comes with insurance, fuel, maintenance, and parking costs.

Moreover, private cars are also a common source of air pollution.

High air pollution levels cause chronic health problems and premature deaths. In many European cities, the concentration of fine particles, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone in the air exceeds safe levels.

However, regardless of these financial and environmental concerns, private ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles are extremely popular — a study conducted by Oliver Wyman has shown that they made up 54% (!) of all modes of transport in 2022.

The study also reveals, though, that as public transport, micromobility, and shared mobility become more accessible, the share of private ICE vehicles is expected to drop to 28% by 2030.

To further reduce this number, shorter inner-city trips could be made via more sustainable transport methods, such as walking, scooters, and public transport (or a combination) instead of private fossil fuel-powered cars.

The mode shift survey explained

The objectives of the survey — conducted to understand the impact of scooters on emissions — were to:

Calculate the car kilometres avoided due to Bolt scooters replacing car trips;
Estimate the CO₂ emissions avoided due to the replacement of car trips;
Check the % of Bolt scooter trips connected to public transport to see whether customers use scooters as a first/last-mile solution.

So, we asked riders if they chose a scooter instead of their private car and if they used it to connect to public transport.

Using Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) emission intensity rates*, we then translated the results of this survey into:

The amount of car km replaced;
Estimated CO₂eq (carbon dioxide equivalent) saved.

*Emission intensity rates were derived from Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) and the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) adjusted for the UK government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) method and verified by our greenhouse gas accounting partner South Pole.

What we’ve learned

More on the emissions avoided

Bolt scooters help cities reduce car use and avoid emissions, thereby contributing to cities’ sustainability objectives.

Our calculations show that Bolt scooters helped replace 51,855,540 car kilometres (private cars + taxi/ride-hailing) in 14 European countries in 2023.

We measure our impact in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂eq) — a metric used to compare emissions of various greenhouse gases based on their global warming potential (GWP).

The results show that, in 2023, Bolt users who opted for scooters instead of cars helped save 9,853 tonnes of CO₂eq.

How it affects you

Less polluted cities

As noted above, private cars are a common source of air pollution.

But air pollution isn’t just a city problem. Although worse in urban areas, it can spread and affect those outside cities.

Current reports may also underestimate the true impact of air pollution. Exposure to fine particles (PM_2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) at levels below the World Health Organization’s guidelines could cause additional deaths, but the science is still catching up.

As stated above, Bolt users who opted for a scooter instead of a private car helped save nearly 10,000 tonnes of CO2eq, which translates into:

Bolt scooters helped replace nearly 52 million km and avoid nearly 10,000 tonnes CO2eq emissions

Quieter streets

The European Union estimates that at least 1 in 5 city dwellers are exposed to traffic noise that’s too loud for long-term health. This can lead to mental health problems and decreased well-being. In some cities, this problem affects nearly half the population!

Take New York City, for example. Noise levels at 99 street locations averaged 73.4 decibels (dBA), with big differences depending on the area (from 55.8 dBA to 95.0 dBA). This roar is strongly linked to traffic density.

A typical conversation is around 60–70 dBA, similar to a restaurant or office. Imagine living with constant noise that loud!

That’s why we’re working to increase the use of shared mobility. Reducing traffic congestion can reduce noise levels and create a healthier, more peaceful environment.

Connectivity to public transport

Our goal is to help cities connect the areas where people live to where they work, shop, and study.

That’s why another objective of the survey was to see the percentage of Bolt scooter trips connected to public transport and to determine if customers use scooters as a first/last-mile solution.

Among riders in the 14 markets surveyed, 27% used a scooter to connect to public transport, withthe highest proportions in Estonia and Latvia.

This data shows that enabling accessible and flexible first- and last-mile trips can encourage a positive mode shift and expand existing public transport networks.

Final thoughts

Shared micromobility can be a catalyst for behavioural change, impacting future decisions about mobility.

Once our surveyed users discovered the simplicity and convenience of using a scooter, they were more likely to continue to opt for one instead of a car.

If you’re ready for a change and want to contribute to making your city cleaner, consider using private car alternatives the next time you need to go somewhere.

Rent a scooter! Choose Bolt!