Smart Mobility on Vacation: How Shared Transport Helps the Summer Climate

Summer is the season of freedom, movement, and discovery. But it's also when traffic peaks and emissions rise. Fortunately, holiday fun doesn’t have to come at the expense of the climate.

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Made for Paris

Summer is the season of freedom, movement, and discovery. But it’s also when traffic peaks and emissions rise. Fortunately, holiday fun doesn’t have to come at the expense of the climate. Thanks to smart mobility and shared transportation, you can travel flexibly, affordably, and sustainably—both at home and abroad.

What Is Smart Mobility?

Smart mobility refers to clever, efficient, and often shared ways of getting around. Think of:

  • Shared bikes and e-scooters
  • Electric shared cars
  • Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) apps that combine public transit and shared transport
  • Car sharing with neighbors or fellow travelers

The goal: minimize CO₂ emissions, waste, and idle vehicles—while maximizing convenience.

A Summer Without Your Own Car—Is That Even Possible?

Absolutely! Especially in urban or tourist regions, the infrastructure for shared mobility is surprisingly good:

  • The Netherlands, from Donkey Republic bikes in Groningen to MyWheels cars along the Zeeland coast.
  • Europe, in cities like Berlin, Barcelona, or Bordeaux, apps like Tier, Share Now, and Bolt are widely available.
  • At vacation parks, more and more resorts offer electric golf carts, e-bikes, or shared cars for regional trips.

Pro Tip: Choose accommodation with public transport access and check in advance whether shared mobility options are available nearby.

Sharing Is Sustainable—And Affordable

The benefits of shared mobility on vacation:

  • Lower emissions: electric shared vehicles emit 50–70% less CO₂ than an average gasoline car.
  • More space in cities and nature areas, thanks to reduced parking needs.
  • Lower cost: you only pay for what you use—no purchase, maintenance, or expensive parking garages.
  • Flexibility: easily switch between bike, train, and shared car depending on your daily plans.

Handy Apps for Smart Summer Mobility

These apps make it easy to travel green on the go:

AppFunctionAvailable In
GaiyoAll-in-one planner for transit & sharingThe Netherlands
FelyxElectric scootersDutch cities
Donkey RepublicGPS-based shared bikesAcross Europe
Share NowElectric shared carsMajor European cities
BlaBlaCarSustainable carpoolingEurope-wide

Sustainable Adventure: Shared Mobility Off the Beaten Path

Even outside the city, smart mobility opens new doors:

  • Combine hiking or cycling with public transit: take a train to a nature reserve and rent an e-bike locally.
  • Campgrounds with e-scooters: stay mobile without a car.
  • Train + shared car vacation: travel to your destination with minimal CO₂ and rent a shared car for day trips.

Think About Tomorrow’s Summer Climate

Shared mobility isn’t a gimmick—it’s one of the keys to a livable future. If we collectively switch to shared, electric, and smart transport:

  • We reduce traffic congestion and heat stress in cities.
  • We encourage local sustainable infrastructure.
  • We make more room for pedestrians, cyclists, and green spaces.

In short, a more relaxed summer for you and the climate.

Conclusion: Travel Freely, Travel Smart, Travel Together

Shared mobility is more than practical—it’s a shift in mindset. Instead of ownership, it’s about access. Instead of emissions, efficiency. Instead of stress, freedom. So whether you’re taking a city trip, enjoying a beach holiday, or exploring your own country, let smart mobility (partly) drive you.

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