Electric scooters represent a significant opportunity to reduce transportation-related carbon emissions by bridging the "first and last mile" connections that people often make by car to access public transit systems during urban trips.
According to a recent report by the Institute for Transportation & Development Policy (ITDP), a non-profit non-governmental organization focused on promoting efficient transit systems, "electric micromobility"—defined as small, lightweight, low-speed vehicles powered by electricity and typically used for short-distance trips—has enormous potential to improve urban transportation systems and create more sustainable cities. Recent technological advances and the rapid adoption of shared electric transit systems—such as e-bikes and electric scooters rented from public or private companies—have led people to begin replacing car use on short trips.
Replacing the car as a means of transportation represents a significant climate benefit: if the use of “urban micromobility” resources—such as electric bicycles and scooters—increases by 11%, we could generate a 7% reduction in CO2 emissions in the urban transport sector by 2030, equivalent to taking 134 million cars off the road. In addition, electric vehicles can easily operate within existing infrastructure designed for bicycles—bike lanes and paths—making their adoption in cities fast and relatively simple. - ITDP "E-Bikes & E-Scooters: Drivers of Climate Action"
Since their launch in late 2017, electric scooters have triggered a variety of public responses, primarily concerning road safety. In countries like the United States, early adoption grew rapidly, reaching an adoption rate of 3.6% in less than 12 months. In 2018, companies also began operating in Europe, with France becoming the first country to roll out the service. In 2019, expansion reached Latin America, establishing a presence in cities such as Buenos Aires, Mexico City, São Paulo, Florianópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, Santos, Bogotá, Santiago, Montevideo, and Lima, among others.
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Recognizing the uncertainty that many cities face in managing electric scooter use, the report published by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy offers analysis and recommendations for cities to safely implement electric micromobility options with equitable and affordable shared services. To expand access and oversight of electric micromobility in the short term, ITDP recommends that cities:
- Legalize the use of electric skateboards, scooters, and kick scooters, classifying them as non-motorized vehicles
- Standardize maximum speeds for electric modes of transportation using bicycle paths.
- Design safe infrastructure and parking facilities to accommodate both electric and non-electric devices, ensuring they do not interfere with pedestrian circulation.
- Manage and regulate systems that provide shared electric micromobility services.
- Monitor usage trends through surveys and data collected from operators.
Key benefits associated with electric micromobility include:
- Equity and affordability: They connect underserved areas of the city to its primary transportation networks, providing travel alternatives so that residents can move efficiently without the need for an automobile. Shared-service companies offer alternatives for those who cannot afford to purchase a private electric scooter or bicycle.
- Environment: They reduce individual car trips, improve air quality, and reduce harmful emissions associated with passenger transport.
- Accessibility: For short trips, they offer travel times that compete with motorized vehicles, enable efficient and affordable connections with public transit, and are accessible to a greater number of people.
- Safety: The presence of pedestrians and cyclists on the streets leads to safer cities for everyone. At the same time, they increase demand for safe infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians, incentivizing local governments to improve their cities.
- Health: By replacing trips made by car and motorcycle, they reduce noise pollution in cities.
The full report from the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy can be accessed through this link.
This article was written by Belén Maiztegui. The translation is powered by AI.
