Micromobility Services in the US

PI

Giovanni Circella

Contact Email

gcircella@ucdavis.edu

Team

Xiaodong Qian,  Kailai Wang

Acknowledgments

This project is a collaboration with the University of Leeds and funded by NUMO and Ford company.

Description

In this study we will develop an understanding of the market adoption of micromobility services. Specifically, we will examine six aspects of micromobility adoptions: 1) What are the socio-economic and other characteristics of current micromobility users, as a subset of the general population? (e.g., can we identify micromobility users according to socio-demographic or other characteristics)?  2) Are we able to identify any changes in the characteristics of user groups over time, such as innovators, early adopters, later adopters, laggards, "superusers," etc.? 3) What factors influence the initial acquisition of micromobility technology or first-time use? 4) What factors influence micromobility use as a mode choice (e.g., journey purpose, level of encumbrance, departure time, environmental, etc.)?  5) Are we able to develop an empirically derived typology of micromobility users based on their characteristics (e.g., demographic, behavioral, psychographic, and geographic characteristics) and their motivation to acquire micromobility technology? 6) What policies or actions (e.g., use of positive incentives, tailored incentives, marketing methods, or communication strategies) can nudge and encourage the use of micromobility, according to different population segments and their starting position on the behavioral change model? This study will focus on research questions 1-5 and begin exploration of question 6, which is a larger topic for further research. There are benefits in keeping #6 at the periphery so that we can define appropriate design, data collection, and modeling/analysis plan to eventually support #6.

We conducted a comprehensive literature review on the impacts of shared e-scooters on modal shifts. The use of shared e-scooters either substitutes for or complements the use of other travel modes: The empirical data reveal that people use shared e-scooters in place of cars at substantial rates, especially in many US cities, which suggests that in many locations shared e-scooters may be a good strategy for reducing car dependence. In addition, we argue researchers and practitioners should pay more attention to proper regulations and dedicated infrastructure for both e-scooter riders and other vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and bicyclists. Currently, we are collecting e-scooter trip data to analyze the travel behaviors of this new shared micro-mobility and will provide corresponding policy suggestions

 

Resources

JOURNAL ARTICLES AND BOOK CHAPTERS

PRESENTATIONS and WEBINARS

REPORTS

CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

 

  • 2021. What Mobility Modes Do Shared E-Scooters Displace? A Review of Recent Research Findings 
    Authors: Kailai Wang, Xiaodong Qian, Giovanni Circella, Yongsung Lee, Jai Malik, and Dillon Taylor Fitch. 100th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) (virtual). Section 1108 - Micromobility  [Link]
  • 2020. Understanding and Influencing the Uptake of Micromobility Modes 
    Authors: Kailai Wang, Giovanni Circella, Sebastuan Castellanos, Susan Grant-Muller, Charalampos Saridakis, Xiaodong Qian, and Farzad Alemi. 60th Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP) Annual Conference (virtual) Section 15.11 Micromobility and New Mobility Trends [Link] (page 51) 

OTHER