Micromobility
RELATED TOPICS: E-bikes, Bike Share, Connected Multimodal Networks
E-scooters, e-bikes, and station-based and dockless bike share transportation systems (collectively known as "micromobility") are promising as a complement to existing modes of travel. As with all new innovations, there is much to learn about safe implementation, compliance, and infrastructure planning and design to support these emerging forms of transportation and technology.
Since 2017, a proliferation of start-ups have distributed electric kick-scooters for use in shared mobility systems across the U.S., generating millions of trips per year. Many communities see possibilities in micromobility to help expand transit ridership shed by supporting first/last mile trips to transit connections. Shared micromobility devices such as e-scooters and e-bikes provide new opportunities for flexible personal travel, but they also pose challenges for safety, mobility, regulation, and planning. Best practices and new policies are continually evolving and may be specific to location or context.
In 2020, significant disruptions affected shared micromobility programs across the U.S., with many cities temporarily pausing operations and some providers reducing their workforce. During this period, micromobility emerged as an option for essential travel and outdoor recreation, particularly when other transportation modes were less available. The circumstances also introduced many new users to bike share and e-scooters. While the long-term outlook for shared micromobility is uncertain, events underscored both the advantages and the ongoing challenges associated with these systems.
Resources
Cycling and Scooting Through the Years
Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS)
Provides annual updates on bikeshare and e-scooter system data from 2015 to 2024.
E-Scooter Safety: Issues and Solutions
Behavioral Traffic Safety Cooperative Research Program (BTSCRP)
Seeks to advance multimodal road safety by identifying safety risks emerging from the growing use of e-scooters and developing comprehensive guidance, tools, policy options, and educational materials to mitigate those risks.
FHWA Federal Policy, Research, and Funding Opportunities for Shared Micromobility Projects
Shared-Use Mobility Center
Summarizes a presentation on challenges and opportunities for micromobility related to policy and funding.
USDOT Micromobility Activities
FHWA
Outlines micromobility efforts and activities from FHWA, FTA, BTS, and other offices.
Shared Micromobility Playbook
Transportation for America
Explores core components of a comprehensive shared micromobility policy for local governments to consider.
More Resources >
Examples
Modeling the Demand for Shared E-Scooter Services
Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
Presents the findings on modeling demand for shared e-scooter services.
Case Studies on Micromobility in the United States
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Offers a compilation of case studies focused on micromobility programs.
Measuring New Mobility: Case Studies and Best Practices
International Transport Forum
Offers guidance on implementing mobility measurement frameworks and features lessons from ten global case studies.
Shared Micromobility Pilot Promotes Access in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Reports on a bikeshare pilot in Fort Smith, AR, aimed at developing a long-term pricing strategy, securing funding, and effectively placing stations to support low-income communities.
The Evolution of E-Scooter Parking Management in Austin, Texas
FHWA Fostering Multimodal Connectivity Newsletter
Describes how a city planned around the wave of dockless devices, and established regulations for their use and parking to ensure safe access to sidewalks and public rights-of-way for all users.
