We’ve highlighted the role micro-mobility solutions and e-scooters will play in delivering safe and efficient options for commuters and more in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic – but these solutions also have a key part to play in helping both the overall economy and the economies of cities across the world.
Micro-mobility solutions could both fulfill a need for low-cost, fast and accessible transportation options offering an avenue for those facing economic hardship to maintain mobility and for the safety-conscious to avoid public transportation.
However, cities will also need to pay special attention to policy and regulatory environments that support these convenient and safe mobility solutions.
How Cities Are Adapting to the New Normal of Shared and Micro-Mobility
During lockdown, a Boston Consulting Group study found that bike sharing was up in the United States and China and that the use of owned bikes and e-scooters, as well as walking, was up in the U.S., European Union and China.
Cities and micro-mobility providers are taking measures to facilitate this increased usage, including:
- Regular disinfection of surfaces, including handlebars, seats, and more
- Price reductions to both encourage use and accommodate for those affected by the economic downturn
- Enforcing “pop-up” bike lanes or engineering the closure of entire streets to automobile traffic to provide a safe environment for social distancing and for use of bikes, e-scooters and more
Cities are also working to institute other regulatory initiatives that could further promote positive environments for growth in micro-mobility usage. Namely, the deeming of bike shops and other critical providers as essential businesses, regulations surrounding cleaning and disinfection, specific micro-mobility and pedestrian-friendly zones and curbside locations, and more could all help engender more growth in the industry without sacrificing the safety of users.
Enabling Economic Recovery via Micro-Mobility
With micro-mobility solutions’ usage aiding in COVID-19-era transportation, doors have also been opened to allow these solutions to boost local and regional economies.
In particular, the solutions’ rising popularity and functionality during this time could carry over even beyond the “new normal,” opening avenues for integration with existing public transportation options, permanently bike and scooter-friendly cities, job creation and spending in the sector, and more.
Even now, micro-mobility solutions are helping wider numbers of people return to work safely, helping make strides on economies’ long road to recovery from this uncertain period.
Expanded mobility options could also provide much-needed solutions for underserved communities, particularly when pricing is made accessible, helping members of those communities more actively participate in their local economies.
As an additional benefit, micro-mobility adoption could lead to a greener future as more people choose these solutions over traditional passenger vehicles, particularly in urban areas.
To learn more about how Segway Commercial is helping lead the way during the promising time for micro-mobility solutions, visit b2b.segway.com.
