Micromobility

The micromobility transportation sector continues to evolve and grow, fueled by developments in technology, partnerships and infrastructure, according to experts at the 2023 Micromobility World Conference.

Changes to land use zoning, parking requirements and other areas could make way for some 500,000 new housing units in neighborhoods around transit stops in the Puget Sound region of Washington state.

The annual INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard outlines which cities — and even thoroughfares — see the most traffic congestion. The most recent report tracks some of the lingering trends brought about by the pandemic.

The Current, an on-demand shuttle service serving Clark County, Wash., has continued its growth pattern since launching just over a year ago. Officials say the service fills gaps left by fixed bus routes.

It will take a multi-pronged approach to guide micromobility operations toward a path of viability and profits in the United States, as they navigate a landscape marked by poor infrastructure and costly regulation.

Electric scooters and bikes are fast becoming standard forms of transportation in the U.S. The post-pandemic resurgence is spurring those watching the space to call for new standards and thoughtful integration into urban transit.

Concepts like mobility data specifications are serving as the foundational pieces of digital infrastructure that will enable the development of more integrated and complete urban transportation systems.

The Shared-Use Mobility Center is urging public, private and nonprofit groups to sign on to its Shared Mobility 2030 Action Agenda, which sets goals around expanding mobility options and transportation equity.

After their success in other locations, Waymo has announced their plan to bring their robotaxi service to Los Angeles. The company has been mapping the roads since 2019 but does not know when the service will be available.

The city of Beaumont's new electric scooter program has seen a significant increase in ridership in less than a year, but the council has safety concerns about a spike in underage riding.

The city has started to impound EZRide scooters after officials say the company failed to reach a franchise agreement to use the public right of way. Officials say another company will be bringing scooters to the downtown area.

Robotic people-moving pods were recently tested at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The autonomous electric vehicles are designed to transport people in need of assistance in crowded places like airports and malls.

Carlsbad, Calif., has approved spending as much as $2 million for new police officers, related educational programs and other efforts connected to addressing its newly declared e-bike emergency.

The state of Michigan awarded $285,000 to four companies as part of its Michigan Mobility Funding Platform, which aims to grow private-sector transportation innovation around electrification, safety and other areas.

After a Florida-based micromobility startup that powered the city's bike-sharing program abruptly folded in July, the city developed a rescue plan. Now the bikes are set to resume cruising the city's streets and trails.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has opened public discussion of a draft policy on the use of electric bicycles in state forests and state parks across Pennsylvania.

Even large car-dependent cities like Houston and Los Angeles are serious about reducing the auto traffic on highways as these cities reimagine transit and other transportation investments.

Scooter-share systems continue to rise in popularity around the U.S. as bike-share systems break ridership records. With options to pick from, cities are navigating new and maturing relationships with operators.