1. Much Lower Price: In my city, docked bikes start at $5 for 30 minutes. Dockless bikes are only $1!
2. Less wasted time: I can end my trip right where I want to go, not 3 blocks away at a dock (or even further if the dock is full or broken).
3. Ease of use: The docks in my city are clumsy, require swiping a credit card and entering a code to use, and make it hard to get the bikes to unlock and release. The dockless bikes use a modern app and the bikes unlock instantly.
4. Choice of vehicle type: Several of the dockless providers here also have electric-assist bikes and electric-powered scooters scattered around - much better for hills! The scooters especially are very popular here.
I'm in no way affiliated with any company in this space. I just think the dockless companies have a MUCH better product in nearly every way from a rider's point of view. It's like the convenience jump between old-school taxis that you have to call and then take 2 hours to show up and refuse to take credit cards compared with ubiquitous ride-share that shows up in 2 minutes and everything happens instantly in an app.