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 with potential health, environmental, and congestion relief benefits. As with all new innovations, there is much to learn about safe implementation, compliance, equity considerations, and infrastructure planning and design to support these emerging forms of transportation and technology.
Micromobility provides affordable, low emissions alternatives to driving. 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 justice, regulation, and planning. Best practices and new policies are continually evolving and may be specific to location or context.
In 2020, COVID-19 had major effects on shared micromobility in the U.S., with many cities temporarily suspending their programs during the early stages of the pandemic and operators laying off workers. However, micromobility proved to be a key mode for essential trips (often as an alternative to public transit) and socially-distanced leisure activities in 2020. The pandemic introduced many first time riders to e-scooters and bike share, and led to permanent bike/ped infrastructure additions in cities that conducted successful "slow streets" pilots. While the future of shared micromobility remains unknowable, the pandemic highlighted some of the benefits, and exposed some of the inequities, of these modes.
Resources
2023 Shared Micromobility State of the Industry Report
North American Bikeshare & Scootershare Association (NABSA)
Demonstrates shared micromobility’s continued growth and viability as an important mode for public transportation.
Chicago, Illinois Uses Regulatory Approaches to Improve E-Scooter Equity
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
A separate case study in Chicago, IL, assessed how e-scooters could enhance equitable access, reduce congestion, and lower emissions, leading to expanded pilot programs with regulatory measures and community input.
Shared Micromobility Pilot Promotes Low-Income 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.
Measuring New Mobility: Case Studies and Best Practices
International Transport Forum
Offers guidance on implementing mobility measurement frameworks to assess benefits and negative impacts and guide policy. Features lessons from ten global case studies to offer recommendations for data reporting and monitoring frameworks.
Shared Micromobility and Equity Primer
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Provides an overview of equity considerations for shared micromobility.
More Resources >
Examples
Case Studies on Micromobility in the United States
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Offers a compilation of case studies focused on micromobility programs.
Sharing Spaces with Robots: The Basics of Personal Delivery Devices
Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC)
Clarifies terms and definitions for personal delivery devices (PDDs), describes their physical and operational characteristics, and provides an overview of key policy and research areas affecting their deployment with an emphasis on pedestrians and bicyclists.
Case Study: E-Bike Libraries Advance Mobility Options
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Showcases an e-bike lending library program.
Two New International Case Studies Focus on Promoting Walking and Bicycling
Tools of Change
Documents two European cities that are advancing active travel.
San Francisco, CA: E-Scooter Program for People with Disabilities
Next City
Reports that Bird is expanding a pilot to make adaptive e-scooters and e-wheelchairs available for shared use on San Francisco streets.
