Forest Report: Shared E-Bikes Help Narrow London's Cycling Gender Gap

A new study from London-based shared e-bike operator Forest suggests that bike-sharing services may be playing a meaningful role in getting more women on two wheels in the capital. The company’s second Women of the Forest report draws on feedback from 5,000 of its riders to examine how shared e-bikes influence cycling habits across genders. According to the findings, 75.9% of female users reported cycling more often since they began using the service, pointing to a notable shift in who feels comfortable riding in the city.

The report is part of a broader conversation about the gender imbalance that has long shaped urban cycling in London and beyond. By lowering barriers such as bike ownership, maintenance, and the need for secure storage, shared e-bikes appear to offer a more accessible entry point for women who might otherwise hesitate to cycle. Forest’s data adds a fresh data point to the debate over how micromobility can make city streets feel more inclusive.

While the survey focuses on Forest’s own user base and does not claim to capture the full picture of cycling in London, the numbers suggest shared e-bikes are contributing to a gradual change in ridership demographics. As cities continue to invest in cycling infrastructure and shared mobility, reports like this one will help track whether those efforts translate into a more representative cycling community.