A new report revealing key changes in mobility demand and four trends for the year ahead is now out from Free Now.

The Free Now report includes a look at key trends for the year ahead

In its new report, the ride hailing and mobility app says the case for revamping the way we get around the UK and Europe is fast-changing on the back of congestion and climate change concerns. Research shows 91% of Europeans consider sustainable transport options more important or at the same level of importance as before the energy crisis.

While better and more affordable public transport and active travel are part of this, new forms of shared mobility also have a role.

The company also sets out that the direction in which urban mobility ecosystems will further develop will fit into the paradigm of ‘Mobility-as-a-Service’ (MaaS), in which owning a private car is not needed for convenient travelling around the city and beyond.

Its report identifies four key trends for the year ahead, including the concept of the 15 Minute City, Single App Solutions, Flexible Mobility Spending and Collaboration for Green Mobility.

The guide also shows the increased demand for urban mobility. It tracks trends based on the behaviour of 48 million Free Now users across Europe and reveals that multi-modal trips (e-scooters, e-bikes, e-mopeds, car-sharing) grew by 221% in 2022 while the number of multi-mobility users grew by 27%.

The number of overall taxi and minicab trips increased by more than 50% in the UK during 2022, with London standing out in the rankings of top cities by number of tours taken.

Free Now also found that 60% of European citizens want one mobility app that integrates all mobility options, instead of individual apps for each transport mode – whether that’s taxi, car sharing, e-bikes or public transport.

Stephen Joseph, professor at the University of Hertfordshire Smart Mobility Unit and chair of ‘Smart Transport’, said: “This isn’t just about getting around more easily – it’s about the way we want towns and cities to be. Less dominance by private cars means more space for people, green spaces, parklets and cafes, and breathable air.”

Thomas Zimmerman, CEO of Free Now, added: “The future of urban mobility is to be driven by MaaS platforms leading the way through innovation and, most importantly: collaboration. Further acceleration can only happen if it’s supported by our cities and municipalities. For a successful mobility revolution, companies can’t do it in isolation. We all need to work hand in hand.”

To read the report in full, please click here.