Micromobility refers to a range of small and light vehicles that typically travel at speeds below 25 km/h (15 mph) and are driven personally by users (as opposed to rickshaws)

Micromobility devices include most small vehicles, mostly single seaters, that operate at low speeds and do not run on gas. Based on the taxonomy and classification of motorized micromobility vehicles of the International Society of Automotive Engineers, FHWA generally defines micromobility as any small, low-speed, human-powered or electric vehicle, including bicycles, scooters, foot-operated bicycles, electric scooters (e-scooters) and other small light and wheeled vehicles. Pedals and electric bikes, as well as electric scooters, skateboards and inline skates, are part of an emerging class of vehicles called micromobility or personal vehicles (PDMs). Micro mobility devices include bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, e-scooters, shared bikes, and pedal-assisted e-bikes (pedelecs). Shared micro-mobility devices such as bicycles, electric bicycles (e-bikes) and electric scooters can create a more diverse, convenient and accessible transportation network, providing more travel options, reducing congestion and improving quality of life. Micro mobile devices and sharing systems offer new and efficient ways to help people meet their transportation needs. With a non-profit bike-share program and multiple e-bike and e-scooter suppliers, Denver has a history of providing citizens with the latest and greatest micro-mobility options. 

Home to several micromobility companies, San Francisco pioneered car sharing, starting with a bike-sharing program in 2013. The growth of the sharing economy has led to a significant increase in access to micromobility in many cities, primarily with public bike-sharing systems, and then privately funded and managed dockless bike-share parks and electric scooter (e-scooter) fleets. The rise of general micromobility and COVID-infected public transport have helped make small electric vehicles traditional enough for people  to consider buying their own. Some cities, such as Seattle Seattle, have decided to exclude micromobility sharing companies until there are enough bike lanes in some cities to drive them safely. Fortunately for electric scooter sharing companies, the ban could change as companies work with cities to better integrate micromobility systems into city life. With limited infrastructure to support bicycles and scooters, most US cities have not yet had any micromobility programs. 

With an increasing number of investors pouring massive amounts of capital into the micromobility sector, we can expect more bikes and scooters to take to the streets of cities around the world. Hence, micromobility solutions such as joint programs for bicycles and e-scooters are an interesting solution that some cities are turning to. Among many use cases, micromobility services increase access to public transport, reduce the number of cars on the road, reduce our environmental footprint, and provide convenient modes of transportation for short trips while being affordable. 

In addition, increased awareness of personal hygiene and physical distancing may encourage consumers to use micromobility, rather than public transport, for short trips. Cities could also invest more in cycling infrastructure or even reuse entire roads to encourage the use of micromobility. 

Beyond the urgent need to address motorcycles and e-scooters, cities should see micromobility as an opportunity to create stronger governance and a policy framework that can accommodate any new mobility options that may appear on the horizon. Service providers must respect the real interests of cities: those who take a collaborative and transparent approach to new and existing markets are likely to end up succeeding in the increasingly unforgiving micromobility sector. 

Backed by safe and affordable infrastructure, devices can bridge the gap between public transportation options, replace cars for short trips, and integrate larger delivery vehicles to provide last-mile service in densely populated areas. Although micromobility devices can be owned by individuals, the recent influx of devices in cities is mainly due to the deployment of shared fleets by private companies. In practice today, in most markets, micromobility means the sharing of scooters and bicycles (both human-powered and motorized, docked and non-docked). Although there is no universally accepted definition of micromobility, most people use the word to refer to small and light vehicles (less than 500kg) that can safely move around in urban areas, such as scooters and e-bikes. Recognizing the potential of micromobility and the fact that these devices share the road and sidewalks with cars, traditional bicycles and pedestrians, inherent safety concerns arise. 

As with any emerging industry, micromobility companies offering the world a relatively new bike and scooter sharing service have some bumpy roads to overcome as they face numerous space challenges. With the new reality of working from home, travel cancellations and even trips to restaurants and grocery stores, the micromobility industry, which includes a range of lightweight vehicles such as bicycles, electric scooters and mopeds, is facing catastrophic declines in passenger numbers and revenues. Increasingly, Micromobility is an acronym for a growing number of bike and scooter rental companies that are poised to reshape the urban landscape. 

Based in San Francisco, Lime operates e-scooters, e-bikes, traditional bikes, and car-sharing systems that cover the full range of micro-mobility services. Lyft, known for its car-sharing services, also uses micro-mobility in a number of cities, including bikes and e-scooters, depending on location. Fourth-generation bike-sharing services have used a dockless model that allows users to end their journey and leave their shared micromobile device anywhere or within a geographically fenced area. After Bird secretly launched its app-based fleet of shared electric scooters in Santa Monica in 2017, the industry shifted its focus from micromobility as public transportation to mobility as a private service (also known as MaaS). Although micro-mobile vehicles have been available for purchase by users for a long time, it has been the servitization of these modes of transport, allowing users to use the nearest micro-mobile vehicle without having to buy or store it, as well as increasing travel flexibility. 

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