E-scooter 101: Micromobility and the Urban Mobility Dilemma
Micromobility has emerged as a possible solution to modern mobility problems and is being developed to take advantage of emerging transportation systems and regulations.
Communities face many persistent challenges, including mobility externalities like traffic congestion, poor air quality, a severe lack of green spaces, and a decline in social mobility and accessibility. All these hurdles lead to a deteriorating level of comfort and functionality in urban areas.
Communities have long recognized the economic cost of these obstacles and the vulnerability they cause. Recognition of the negative impact on health and wellness has led countries to address the urban mobility dilemma by supporting and passing appropriate laws and regulations.
In recent times, environmental concerns related to climate change have been another powerful driver of change. Cities across the globe have acknowledged the climate emergency and announced participation in the ambitious zero carbon emissions initiative.
Hence, with transport comprising 29% of total greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, cities see an increasing acceleration in the development of alternative urban mobility solutions. Worsening air quality and traffic congestion have also been a spark for new schools of thought in urban design.
As a result, the winds of change engulfed the transport sector, with advocates promoting terms like pedestrianization, green streets, and livable cities. Measures taken include investment in cycling infrastructure, pedestrian zones, new green spaces, street furniture, and restrictions on private car use.
Many cities are organizing their plans for sustainable urban transport systems, as demonstrated by the number of cities implementing the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP). In the Eurozone alone, there are more than 1,000 cities that are involved in or have completed urban mobility projects.
The Advent of Micromobility
Micromobility has emerged as a possible solution to modern mobility problems and is being developed to take advantage of emerging transportation systems and regulations. Micromobility is a transport mode heavily supported by the younger generation, especially Gen Z.
In the past five years, the electric scooter has emerged as the micromobility representative. Among the countless e-scooter models in the market, the Flash Motors Infinity X hyperscooter offers unmatched specs of 70-mile mileage and 75-mph top speed.
