What We Are Reading
In 2021, micromobility players attracted approximately $2.9 billion in new investment, and they may exceed this level in 2022. But the capital flows are now coming from different types of investors, and they are going to regions and vehicle types different from those of the past.
MRP views:
As McKinsey notes in this report, it is likely that the rising interest for micromobility is due to the accelerated efforts in Europe to build safe infrastructure. This is something MRP™ is noting equally. The level of uptake of micromobility appears to be causally linked to the availability of safe pathways, while the appreciation of the sustainability aspects of MM appears to be substantial.
A significant shift in the current transport paradigm is needed to provide sustainable and healthy ways of traveling and to help prevent ill-health. Within this context, transport authorities with local accountability are responsible for defining measures to reduce motorized vehicle fleets and congestion in cities.
MRP views:
This is a significant breakthrough in researching the positive impact from MM on improving air quality related mortalities and reducing transport accidents. The paper finds that MM Mode shift from passive transport modes provides health and environmental benefits. The reduction in fatalities is significant when shifting from cars and buses, but moves in the other direction when trips are switched from walking and biking. This is contrary to MRP research conclusions from analysing MM Operator accident data in comparison to bikes and motorbikes in ANZ. This is likely because bikes are significantly more risky in terms of fatalities and serious injuries, based on the numbers for ANZ so far. A significant factor may be due to the lack of biking infrastructure in ANZ, which is highly likely to have a negative impact on active transport safety.
E-scooters, e-bikes, and other forms of micro-mobility have the potential to cut the congestion, emissions, and noise pollution that plague our cities. It also represents a real tangible solution to the first- and last-mile transportation gap.
MRP™ views:
The World Economic Forum, based on a BCG study, makes some observations on the use and adoption of e Scooters and micro-mobility globally. It reconfirms the potential for MM to address FM/LM issues, and debunks the notion that MM is largely used for leisure and fun experimentation. However, the proposition that e Scooter trips switched from PT render e Scooters “at best neutral”. This is an unfortunate conclusion. Based on LCA results prepared by the MRP™, e Scooters have a four times lower GHG emissions profile than buses in Australia and New Zealand. This is due to the fuel used for buses Down Under and the low occupancy on buses. So a conclusion such as this needs to be carefully limited, as it depends on the location where the comparisons are made.
In an industry-first pilot in Rome and Milan, Dott is launching a scheme where bad riders who repeatedly park escooters badly (outside a permitted area or violating the Highway Code) are sent to a driving course.
MRP™ views:
A very timely article on safety and e Scooter rider behaviours. It is clear that the solution will be a combination of technology, collaboration with municipalities and education. MRP™ is currently undertaking collaborative research in a range of aspects together with MRP™ academics and collaborators. Some of the research focusses on specific technology development and implementation, including stakeholder safety and health, as well as cutting edge edutech.
Canada revealed new details about how it's hoping to make the wealthy think twice about contributing to the climate crisis with their extravagant modes of transportation.
MRP™ views:
Excellent move from Canada. Tax rate is a bit on the low side, as I am not sure it will be much of a disincentive to stop unsustainable elite spending behaviours. Wonder which country will be the next to announce a similar sustainability tax. The tax will only be effective if everyone is aligned, as luxury toys like yachts, private planes and rockets will simply be sold in untaxed jurisdictions if we don't watch out.