Circular economy in the e-scooter sharing industry

: a qualitative analysis of tier’s strategic use of circular economy principles

Abstract

The transition towards a circular economy (CE) has become imperative across various industries, particularly in sectors with significant environmental impacts such as transportation, which accounts for approximately 25% of global CO₂ emissions. This study explores the integration of circular strategies within the micro-mobility sector, focusing on the e-scooter sharing industry and, specifically, on the practices of the company called Tier. By examining the circular initiatives implemented by the company, the research highlights not only the operational feasibility and visibility of circular strategies but also the competitive advantages they can generate. The findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of CE practices in urban mobility and provide practical implications for mobility providers seeking to incorporate circularity as a means of enhancing sustainability and achieving strategic differentiation.

Date of Award	24 Jun 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Nuno Moreira da Cruz (Supervisor)