Insight 16: The Micromobility Revolution Gathers Momentum
Summary
With the global population of urban areas set to increase by 50% to 6.7 billion by 2050, managing mobility in cities will be crucial. Micromobility has the potential to substantially reduce congestion and pollution in urban areas and increase productivity. However, several challenges are currently facing the micromobility industry, including rider and battery safety. The UK needs to ensure regulation and safety keep pace with burgeoning transportation choices.
Focus of the Insight
The Insight focuses on ownership models for micromobility vehicles, their marker size, battery requirements and the wider challenges for micromobility in the UK.
Conclusion
Micromobility is growing globally and is currently the fastest electrifying sector within transportation. MMVs provide cheap and efficient transportation over short distances, which will help reduce congestion in urban areas. MMVs have changed people’s transportation behaviours and enabled alternative transport solutions to be offered by the delivery industry.
Widespread adoption in the UK will require:
- Further research into battery failure to improve battery safety and reduce the risk of fires related to charging;
- New regulations to set battery safety standards and encourage safe charging behaviours, as well as labelling of battery chemistry and recycling potential;
- Development of a regulatory regime which ensures adequate testing of battery pack BMS systems for MMVs;
- Consideration of whether the manufacturing and consumer markets for MMVs need stricter regulations and product standards; and
- An information campaign to promote standards and charging behaviours.
Overall, the UK needs to quickly consider how to include MMVs in the UK’s transport strategy, taking incorporating the benefits for consumers and any implications for safety, infrastructure and sustainability. The e-scooter trials taking place across the UK are providing valuable insights into how local authorities and MMV companies can work together to enable safe and accessible transportation options in urban areas. This evidence will be invaluable and will help shape regulation on MMVs as the revolution gathers pace.