What is Micromobility? Definition, examples & the future

Last Updated: June, 2023

We all noticed this in many big cities around the world; people are now changing the way they have been transporting in their daily lives. The trend of traveling with personal vehicles or public transport now has an alternative in the form of micromobility. Simply put, all connected scooters, e-bikes, and smart transportation devices are provided by companies like Bolt, Dott, and Bird in other words called EV. The need for quick and healthy in-city travel, especially after the pandemic, has increased demand for better and connected micromobility options.

EV meaning

Electric Vehicle; an automobile, e-scooter, e-bike, or other vehicle having an electric motor that is fully or partially powered by batteries.

(Dictionary.com)

So, what is micro-mobility? What’s in store for the current development in the micromobility industry? How can cellular IoT and micromobility devices transform your daily commute (even more!)? We are discussing this in detail in the following article.

The Definition: What Is Micromobility?

To give you an idea, the micromobility industry is estimated to amount between $300B to $500B by 2030 by McKinsey & Company. Even though it’s recent popularity, the term micro-mobility is not a new one. In fact, the definition of micro-mobility refers to a form of transport where lightweight vehicles can be hired or owned for short-range travel intracity. For example: electric scooters, ebikes, eskateboards, or smart mopeds are some examples of micro-mobility devices. The term “micromobility” was originally created by Horace Dediu – a Romanian-American industry analyst focused on both mobile phones and micromobility.

Devices traveling between 15 mph to 25 mph with manual efforts or an electric power source are defined as micromobility vehicles.

A micromobility device would reflect efficient and easy transportation within cities. The objective of micromobility is to make the city more accessible to more users. Furthermore, micromobility devices can complement public transport usage. Especially the last-mile transportation of urban micromobility devices relies on strong cellular network connectivity.

But micromobility isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about allowing people to explore their cities in a new way. It’s about making the streets more accessible for everyone and reducing traffic and pollution in the process. It’s about creating a sense of community and encouraging people to get out of their cars and experience the world around them.

Micromobility Vehicles Examples

Today, there are a variety of micromobility devices available for a user to choose from. These micro-mobility transportation devices are perfect for smaller and lightweight commuting needs.

Some examples of micro-mobility devices include electric scooters, bicycles, cargo bikes, skateboards, rickshaws, and some lighter mopeds too. Typical Internal combustion engine-powered cars or 2-wheelers do not fall under the concept of micro-mobility. The most popular form of micro-mobility devices is the infrastructure of electric scooters that can allow users to take short trips and access public transport without owning personal vehicles.

Examples of Companies Disrupting Urban Mobility with Micromobility Solutions

BOLT

BOLT is the first European super-app with the mission of making urban mobility more affordable, safe, and sustainable. It offers vehicles for hire, micromobility, car-sharing, and food delivery. Tallinn, Estonia, is the headquarters of Bolt, which was founded in 2013 and operated in more than 500 cities in 45 countries around the world. If you are looking for a reliable micromobility provider in European cities, BOLT might be a perfect choice for you.

Bird

Bird is a micromobility company founded in 2017. Bird has taken the world by storm with its fleet of electric scooters that are designed to make getting around town a breeze. With its headquarters in Santa Monica, California, the company has quickly expanded to multiple cities across the United States and Europe.

Dott

Dott is a leading micromobility company specializing in electric scooters, e-bikes, and other small vehicles for rent. Founded in 2018, Dott is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands and is quickly expanding to cities across Europe. The company’s mission is to provide a sustainable and convenient mode of transportation for urban areas, intending to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. Dott’s fleet of electric scooters and e-bikes can be rented through a mobile app, allowing for easy pick-up and drop-off anywhere within the service area.

Lime

Founded in 2008, Lime aims to develop a new lifestyle solution for urban mobility. Its mobile app makes it easy for riders to find and unlock smart bikes and e-scooters. Lime operates its warehouses and vehicles using renewable energy. In addition to wind and solar power, the startup also utilizes hydroelectricity. The micromobility e-vehicles that Lime manufactures are also made using recycled materials.

Voi Technology

VOI Technology is a leading company in the micromobility industry, offering electric scooters and other small vehicles for rent. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Stockholm, Sweden. VOI Technology’s mission is to provide a sustainable and convenient mode of transportation for urban areas, focusing on reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality. The company’s fleet of electric scooters can be rented through a mobile app and can be picked up and dropped off anywhere within the service area. The company has quickly expanded to multiple European cities and continues to grow globally. VOI Technology is known for its focus on safety and responsibility, implementing strict guidelines for riders and ensuring proper maintenance of their vehicles. The company also partners with local authorities and communities to promote responsible micromobility usage and to integrate their service in an urban environment.

Tier Mobility

Tier Mobility is a leading provider of electric scooters, e-bikes, and other micromobility options. Founded in 2018, Tier Mobility is based in Berlin, Germany and quickly expands to cities across Europe and North America. The company’s mission is to provide affordable and sustainable transportation options for urban areas, to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. Tier Mobility’s fleet of electric scooters and e-bikes can be rented through a mobile app, allowing for easy pick-up and drop-off anywhere within the service area.

Advantages of Micromobilty

Environment-friendly transport

Approximately one-fourth of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are attributed to transportation. Therefore, micro-mobility’s environmental friendliness contributes significantly to its popularity. It can also help to reduce congestion on the roads and improve overall air quality.

Quick and available

One significant benefit is the convenience it provides for short-distance travel. It allows for a quick and easy way to get around without having to rely on a car or public transportation, which can be especially useful in urban areas where traffic and parking can be a challenge.

Money saving solution

It is a cost-effective way of transportation, as it eliminates the need to own and maintain a personal vehicle. It also promotes an active lifestyle, encouraging people to walk or bike more. Overall, micromobility has the potential to positively impact transportation, the environment, and people’s health in cities.

Dangers of Micromobility

Micromobility, which includes electric scooters, bikes, and other small vehicles, has become increasingly popular in recent years as a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation. However, with this rise in popularity comes certain dangers.

Risk of accidents

One primary concern is the risk of injury or accidents for riders, pedestrians, and other vehicles on the road. Not to mention underage drivers, and other people causing dangers by not knowing the laws of traffic movement in certain areas/towns

Reckless usage

There have been reports of reckless riding and lack of proper helmet usage, further exacerbating the risk of injury. Additionally, you can often notice too many people using the device for one person only on the same vehicle. There are also cases of drunk driving with smart scooters worldwide.

Abandoned electric vehicles

Improper parking and abandonment of these vehicles on sidewalks and public spaces can impede accessibility for people with disabilities and create pedestrian hazards. It is important that both riders and cities take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all individuals and maintain responsible use of micromobility.

The Future of Micromobility

Now that micro-mobility is being used as a commercial sharing service, it is important for service providers to provide an insightful and convenient user experience through their fleet. An automated and efficient micro-mobility infrastructure needs visibility and access to the fleet of vehicles using cellular IoT. Such connectivity will ensure that micromobility systems can perform with minimal to – no human interactions.

Futuristic micromobility platforms need a reliable and connected experience without network drop-offs or downtimes. We can’t imagine the future where you have trouble renting an EV in just a matter of seconds or losing connectivity while using it – and maybe not being able to end the trip. Here the cellular IoT solution can also present a handful of provisions for varying fleet sizes, different data consumptions, and measuring fleet usage/performance. A micromobility solution provider with the proper connectivity solution can troubleshoot, monitor, and deliver a convenient user experience remotely.

The future of micromobility fleets will be globally connected, inexpensive, sustainable, and insightful. The promising acceptance of micromobility options will now allow brands to deliver better user experience and overcome any visibility limitations by leveraging the Internet of Things. These EVs, offer a convenient and sustainable option for short trips, reducing congestion and pollution in urban areas. In the future, micromobility will likely become even more prevalent, with an increasing number of shared fleets and innovative new technologies, such as autonomous scooters and bikes.

from: cityair.global

E-scooters with air quality sensors?

In 2022 companies Whoosh and CityAir launched e-scooters line with air quality smart sensors. Sensors were mounted on handlebars and are almost invisible to users. There is a dust aerosol monitor in the box. Two scooters are equipped with sensors to detect nitrogen dioxide, one of the most dangerous and common gases in urban environments. This gas is produced by burning gasoline, coal, garbage, and other solid wastes. With innovations like this, micromobility can influence other markets and help the environment by providing data regarding air pollution in certain parts of the municipalities. Who knows what other smart devices could be incorporated into electric vehicles in the future – to improve the quality of life in big cities?

Surely, the development of smart infrastructure and integration with public transportation systems will enhance the overall micromobility experience. The future of micromobility looks to be an exciting one, with the potential to improve urban mobility significantly and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

IoT SIM for Micromobility

In conclusion, the use of IoT technology in micromobility is revolutionizing the way we get around and making sustainable transportation more accessible than ever. At Freeeway, we are dedicated to providing the best IoT connectivity solutions for micromobility, ensuring that your electric scooters, e-bikes, and other small vehicles are always online, efficient, and safe. If you’re interested in learning more about how our IoT SIM solutions can benefit your micromobility business, please do not hesitate to contact us. Let us help you stay connected, efficient, and ahead of the curve in the constantly evolving micromobility industry. Connect with us today and experience the future of transportation!

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