Micromobility is a type of transportation that uses small and lightweight vehicles for short-distance travel. The main micromobility vehicles include electric scooters, electric bikes, bicycles, hoverboards, and rollerblades. Micromobility has emerged with goals such as sustainability and reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector.
Micromobility vehicles are small and lightweight vehicles that operate either manually or electrically. They consume less energy and produce fewer carbon dioxide emissions, helping to prevent air pollution and global warming. Additionally, because these vehicles are small, they occupy less space and therefore contribute to less traffic congestion. This increases the efficiency and capacity of transportation systems. Due to their structure and design, these vehicles are produced using fewer materials, resulting in less waste and a smaller carbon footprint.
Micromobility vehicles are often presented as shared transportation services, where electric scooters are available for short-term rentals rather than individual ownership. Users can view the locations of scooters through the service provider's mobile app, and rental and payment transactions are also completed via this app, with payments based on an initial fee and per-minute rental charges. In Turkey, there are numerous shared e-scooter service providers operating in various cities.
Micromobility vehicles are economical and extremely easy to use. They can also assist public authorities in optimizing transportation systems. Especially in urban transport, the use of micromobility vehicles can offer an alternative to public transportation systems or an integrated option alongside them. This reduces the need for investment in transportation, as well as energy and time expenditure.
Micromobility vehicles are most commonly used for last-mile transportation. The last mile refers to the final stage of a journey and the short distance a person travels to reach their final destination. For example, the short distance from a train station to a person's home at the end of a train journey is referred to as the last mile. In last-mile transportation, micromobility vehicles are an ideal option for moving quickly without being affected by traffic congestion or parking issues. Users can reach their destinations faster by using micromobility vehicles for the last mile of their journey.
In conclusion, micromobility is a type of transportation that offers numerous benefits for human health, sustainability, global warming, and transportation efficiency. As the number of users increases and the sector expands, problems become more apparent and solutions are being developed. Micromobility helps meet people's transportation needs while considering developments and trends in the transportation sector, playing a role in enhancing social welfare and quality of life.