Shared Micromobility, A Solution To Better Urban Mobility And Livability

Many modern cities face significant challenges with traffic congestion and pollution. One transformative solution that can greatly enhance urban living is shared micromobility. Imagine effortlessly navigating through traffic on an electric scooter or gliding smoothly on an e-bike, bypassing gridlock while reducing your carbon footprint. Indeed, this innovative approach can both reshape our transportation habits and improve the livability of our communities. With advancements in technology and growing adoption, shared micromobility can significantly advance urban mobility. Thus, it offers a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional urban transportation solutions

In this article, I’ll first define for you what is shared mircomobility. Next I’ll look at the technologies that are enabling the success of these lightweight vehicles solutions.Also, I’ll detail the benefits of shared micromobility systems. Lastly, I’ll look at the challenges for local governments implementing these shared urban solutions. 

1. What Is Micromobility and Shared Micromobility Systems?

a. Micromobility Defined.

Merriam-Webster refers to micromobility as:

“transportation over short distances provided by lightweight, usually single-person vehicles (such as bicycles and scooters)”

To expand on this definition, micromobility consists of small, lightweight vehicles operating at speeds typically below 15 mph. For example, micromobility vehicles include bicycles, e-bikes, electric scooters, and electric skateboards. Sometimes in special circumstances such as tourism, these lightweight vehicles can also include multi-user Surrey bikes, electric golf carts, and Segways. 

Moreover, micromobility vehicles are driven by the user, powered by electricity. So, generally micromobility vehicles do not include rickshaws where a driver pulls the user. Further, micromobility does not include scooters like a Vespas that has an internal combustion engine.

b. The Growth of Shared Mobility Solutions.

More and more shared micromobility systems are being deployed mostly in urban areas. For example, Mckinsey estimates that micromobility solutions are going to become mainstream for many communities. For instance, they estimate that by 2030 there will be a boost of 5 to 10 percent in the number of passenger-kilometers traveled thanks to micromobility technology.

c. Why Shared Micromobility?

Community planners target micromobility systems to support short trips such as “first- and last-mile” connections. So users either use shared micromobility devices to replace walking or using a car. Without a doubt, shared fleets provide users with on-demand access to lightweight, electrical-powered vehicles. Further, community planners enable easy access to these fleets by allowing them to be parked in the public right-of-way such as walkways or parking spots.

See Wikipedia for more on the basics of what is micromobility.

2. New Technologies Are Enabling Communities To Pursue Shared Micro Mobility Initiatives.

The primary reason for the growing interest in shared micromobility is due to recent advances in various technologies. Because these new technologies are now available, it is now viable for both businesses and communities to pursue shared micromobility initiatives. Just in the last few years, cities in the U.S. and abroad have launched a number of new micromobility programs and initiatives.

Specifically, these shared micromobility initiatives have included bicycles, e-bikes, and electric scooters. To list, below are the 9 major technical advances that have driven the increased interest in shared micromobility.

a. Battery Technology.

First, battery technology continues to improve and costs less. This includes better functionality for electric vehicle (EV) charging and battery management

b. Wireless Internet of Things (IoT) Technology.

Both wireless and IoT technology advances are enabling better micromobility solutions. This includes many types of wireless technologies to include 5G. Also, improvements in IoT sensor technology enable users, businesses, and communities to better track and monitor micromobility devices.  For more information of IoT technology, see SC Tech Insights’ article, Internet Of Things Examples – Hidden Technology Automating Logistics.

c. GPS Tracking Technology.

Especially for shared micromobility solutions, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are needed to keep track of where the lightweight vehicles are located. 

d. Smart Card Identification.

This technology continues to improve as well as be generally accepted by the public. Specifically, these cards securely identify and authenticate the holder and third parties who desire access to a shared micromobility vehicle. In many cases, this technology is also tied to payment systems.

e. Micro Payment Systems.

Indeed, these point-of-sales (POS) systems continue to evolve to better meet the needs of the public to include users of shared systems. Additionally, this includes more service options, better connectivity, and security.

f. Dockless Systems.

Shared micromobility systems at first had a docked infrastructure where the user had to return the scooter to a designated docking station. Now with dockless systems, the user can now drop the scooter anywhere and park it. Of note, at night workers will locate and recharge the micromobility device. 

g. Multimodal Platforms.

Also, urban planners are now implementing more advanced public transit software systems. In particular, some of these systems allow users to use multiple forms of transport such as buses, trains, and shared micromobility vehicles.

h. Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Also, software developers are more and more embedding AI into micromobility systems. As a result, AI is improving safety, convenience, and usability for users. One example of AI’s potential would be to have users wear a helmet with a smart visor to augment reality. Hence, this would have the potential of dramatically reducing accidents. Additionally, these helmets would make users more informed about their trip in real-time. For more detailed discussion on AI, see SC Tech Insight’s article, Here Are 9 Examples Of Artificial Intelligence Technology That Will Best Empower Supply Chains.

i. Fleet Management Systems.

Now there are more and better micromobility fleet management systems for planning, locating misplaced vehicles, and servicing.

See MARTECHLive’s  Shared Micro Mobility Technology for more details on micromobility systems.

3. So How Does Shared Micromobility Improve Our Lives and the Community?

 There are several benefits of shared micromobility solutions. Specifically, below for 7 benefits of shared micromobility:

a. Saves Users Money.

First, shared micromobility is more cost-effective for individual users than buying a lightweight, morterized vehicle. For instance, costs not only include the upfront expense, but all paying for insurance, re-charging costs, and paying for routine maintenance. 

b. Micro Mobility Technology Is A Sustainable Technology.

Communities can reduce their carbon footprint because electric micromobility vehicles have zero emissions.

c. Micromobility Solutions Are More Efficient Than Other Transit Systems.

A micromobility network is more efficient than other public transportation solutions. This is because it extends the reach and depth of public transit with less infrastructure. Subsequently once a city implements a micromobility solution, they can optimize their current public transit system. For instance, this can include reducing or extending the reach of current transit systems such as bus or subway systems in favor of a shared e-scooter network.  

d. Shared Networks Are Convenient For Riders.

Now that micromobility solutions are more mature, they are offering more convenience to more users. For example, users can find micromobility vehicles on many street corners. Consequently, more users can conveniently get to a bus stop or subway station instead of using a car. Now, more communities are offering either multimodal payment options or annual passes to use micromobility vehicles. Also, users have less need to own a lightweight, motorized vehicle where they would have to do their own maintenance and charging.

e. Reduces Traffic Congestion & Number of Parking Spaces.

Also, mcromobility solutions can reduce traffic congestion and reduce the need for parking spaces. Consequently, it is expected that users of shared micromobility will reduce car use in urban areas to include the time used looking for a parking space. 

f. Federal Government Is Funding Micromobility Solutions.

The 2021 infrastructure law is providing funding to local governments for micromobility projects. Specifically, this includes operational funding to make walking or biking safer and more convenient. Click here for more information.

Also, see Digi’s What Is Micromobility? for more information on the benefits of micromobility solutions.

4. What Are The Challenges With Implementing a Shared Micromobility Solution In Your Community?

There are many challenges for local governments to implement a shared micromobility solution.  For example, local governments need to think about regulations, infrastructure requirements, long-term planning, safety, usage fees, data management, and public engagement. As a reference, see National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) for some sample guidelines and advice for local governments. To list, below is a description of 7 key challenges that communities face with implementing a micromobility solution.

a. Safety – How To Minimize Accidents.

Now, shared micromobility is a new industry and consequently there are safety issues to work through. For example, hospitals have seen a marked increase in e-scooter accidents. Specifically, reasons for these accidents can be a combination of user training and adding more safety features on micromobility vehicles. Also, due to the rapid rise of shared micromobility technology there may still be some gaps in safety regulations in comparison to traditional types of public transportation solutions.    

b. Managing the Logistics of a Micromobility Network.

Further, shared micromobility networks need their own, unique logistics infrastructure. Specifically, this requires an upfront cost as well as on-going costs to maintain and for future replacement of the devices.

c. What To Do When Poor Weather Reduces Ridership.

Indeed, Weather is a challenge for micromobility. For example, if a user uses a shared micromobility network for commuting to work, what do they do if the weather is bad? Definitely, cities with harsher climates will need to do more analysis on the return-on-investment (ROI) of shared micromobility solutions.

d. Have To Allocate More Space For Walking and Cycling.

Also with increased use of micromobility devices, communities will need to make more streets and bike lanes available. As a result this is a financial and urban planning challenge, but it will also improve livability in urban areas. For example, Seattle permanently closed 30 kilometers of streets to most vehicles, providing more space for people to walk and bike following the COVID-19 lockdown.

e. Need To Manage Micromobility Assets.

Indeed, any shared micromobility network needs to be managed in order for it to work effectively. For instance, as these lightweight vehicles are portable, they are easy to steal. Moreover, communities will need to develop and enforce regulations on where these devices can be parked.  For more on fleet management solutions, see SC Tech Insights’ article, Private Fleet Management System (FMS).

f. Requires Robust Wireless Communications.

Also, communities need to have robust wireless network access to fully leverage the benefits of micro mobility. This includes enabling shared micromobility solution providers to communicate with the devices. Further, users may need to make mobile payments, and IoT sensors need wireless connectivity. 

g. Some Micromobility Solutions Could Quickly Become Obsolete.

Indeed, micromobility solutions are definitely a viable, long-term solution for many communities. However, the challenge for communities and solutions providers is that shared micromobility solutions are still evolving. Consequently, there are many questions to ask like

• how much to invest?
• what is the total cost of ownership?
• implement now, or wait for technology to mature more?
• how to handle theft and misuse?
• how to design and manage the network?
• what infrastructure and policies are needed to provide a safe, effective solution”
• who manages the micromobility solution?

See HelloTracks’ Five Issues Facing the Micro Mobility Industry and MANTECLive’s Shared Technology in 2022 for more details on micromobility technology challenges.

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