Urban Mobility Disruptions and the Rise of Micromobility Investments: Strategic Opportunities in E-Bike and Water Transit Infrastructure Amid Public Transport Strikes

Urban mobility is undergoing a seismic shift as public transport strikes and disruptions become increasingly frequent. From 2023 to 2025, cities across the United States and Europe have faced prolonged labor disputes in transit systems, exposing vulnerabilities in traditional infrastructure. These disruptions have catalyzed a surge in interest for micromobility solutions, particularly e-bikes and water transit, as cities seek resilient, sustainable alternatives to bridge gaps in service. For investors, this represents a critical inflection point: a market poised for growth, driven by policy tailwinds, technological innovation, and urgent demand for climate-conscious infrastructure.

The Impact of Public Transport Strikes on Urban Mobility

Public transport strikes, often rooted in labor disputes or funding shortfalls, have long disrupted urban commutes. In the U.S., where public transit systems rely heavily on government subsidies, strikes can paralyze cities, forcing commuters to seek alternatives. During the 2023–2025 period, this trend intensified, with cities like New York and San Francisco reporting sharp spikes in demand for micromobility options. For instance, New York City’s Citi Bike program saw a 57% increase in shared bike usage during a recent subway strike, underscoring the role of e-bikes as a stopgap solution [4].

The broader implications are clear: public transport instability is no longer a temporary inconvenience but a recurring challenge. This has spurred cities to rethink mobility strategies, prioritizing diversification and resilience. As one expert notes, “The pandemic and recent strikes have proven that cities cannot rely on a single mode of transport. Micromobility isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity” [3].

E-Bikes: A Resilient and Scalable Solution

E-bikes have emerged as a cornerstone of modern urban mobility, combining affordability, environmental benefits, and adaptability. The global e-bike market, valued at USD 50.5 billion in 2024, is projected to balloon to USD 277.7 billion by 2037, driven by urbanization and sustainability goals [2]. This growth is underpinned by infrastructure investments, such as expanded bike lanes and government-funded cycling projects. For example, the European Union allocated USD 3.6 billion to cycling infrastructure in 2024, a move that has spurred cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen to integrate e-bikes into their transit networks [2].

Technological advancements are further accelerating adoption. Innovations like SIM-based connectivity and smart battery systems are enhancing user experience, while electric bike-sharing programs—such as London’s Lime e-bikes and Paris’s Velib’—are proving their mettle during transit strikes [3]. In Seoul, bike-share systems filled critical mobility gaps during the pandemic, demonstrating their potential as a reliable alternative to public transit [4].

However, challenges remain. The reduction in state funding for micromobility programs in some U.S. states highlights the fragility of policy support [3]. Investors must navigate these uncertainties while capitalizing on the sector’s long-term potential.

Water Transit: A Hidden Gem in Urban Mobility

While e-bikes dominate the micromobility conversation, water transit is quietly gaining traction as a complementary solution. Cities with inland waterways or coastal access are leveraging water buses to alleviate congestion and emissions. The global water bus market, valued at USD 1.24 billion in 2025, is expected to grow to USD 1.71 billion by 2032, driven by eco-friendly alternatives to land-based transport [1].

Amsterdam’s electric water bus fleet, aligned with the EU’s Green Deal, exemplifies this trend. During public transport strikes, these vessels have provided a climate-resilient alternative, reducing travel times and emissions in the city center [1]. Similarly, U.S. cities like Boston and Seattle are exploring water-based transit to mitigate traffic bottlenecks, with pilot projects showing promising results [2].

The strategic value of water transit lies in its ability to integrate with existing infrastructure. Electrification of ports and hybrid propulsion systems are making these solutions more viable, while digital ticketing and smart docking infrastructure enhance user convenience [1]. Yet, high upfront costs remain a barrier, particularly for cities with limited budgets [1].

Strategic Investment Opportunities and Challenges

For investors, the micromobility sector offers a dual opportunity: addressing immediate mobility gaps while aligning with long-term sustainability goals. Key areas to consider include:

1. E-Bike Infrastructure: Funding for charging stations, bike lanes, and smart connectivity systems.
2. Water Transit Development: Electrification of ports, hybrid water buses, and multimodal integration.
3. Policy Advocacy: Supporting legislation that incentivizes micromobility adoption, such as tax credits or public-private partnerships.

However, risks persist. Regulatory hurdles, infrastructure costs, and competition from traditional transit providers could dampen returns. For instance, the high initial investment in water transit infrastructure—often exceeding USD 10 million per route—poses a challenge for smaller cities [1].

Case Studies: Lessons from the Field

Real-world examples highlight the viability of micromobility investments. In San Francisco, dockless bike-sharing systems saw a surge in usage during the pandemic, with trips increasing by 30% in areas with limited transit access [1]. Meanwhile, Kyoto’s bicycle-friendly infrastructure—featuring shared spaces and integrated bike-sharing—has reduced car dependency by 15% since 2021 [4].

Water transit’s potential is equally compelling. A case study in Amsterdam revealed that integrating waterways into urban logistics reduced costs by 28% and emissions by 43.46 kg per day [1]. These successes underscore the importance of tailored, context-specific solutions.

Conclusion

Public transport strikes have exposed the fragility of traditional urban mobility systems, but they have also illuminated a path forward. E-bikes and water transit are not just stopgaps—they are foundational elements of a sustainable, resilient future. For investors, the message is clear: the micromobility sector is at an inflection point, offering opportunities to align financial returns with environmental and social impact.

As cities continue to grapple with disruptions, the winners will be those who act now—before the next strike, the next crisis, or the next climate mandate reshapes the landscape once more.

Source:
[1] Water Bus Market Size, Share & Trends | Growth Analysis ..., [https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/water-bus-market-113214]
[2] Electric Bike Market Size & Share | Growth Trends 2037, [https://www.researchnester.com/reports/electric-bike-market/4436]
[3] The future of shared electric micromobility, [https://www.intheround.global/the-future-of-shared-electric-micromobility]
[4] Examining the causal relationship between bike-share and ..., [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9533677/]