Life cycle and net environmental impact assessment of a shared e-bike service: application to the case of Madrid

• Shared e-bike service in Madrid achieves a positive environmental balance • Docking stations and charging infrastructure emit more than e-bikes themselves • Station-based design lowers vandalism and enables efficient rebalancing operations • Net impact depends on substitution of private cars and motorcycles over clean modes • System improvements in logistics, lifespan, and usage enhance climate performance Shared electric bicycles are increasingly promoted as a sustainable urban mobility solut