E for equity? E-scooter and e-bike schemes can help people on low incomes and with disabilities

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 04:55:01 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/e-for-equity-e-scooter-and-e-bike-schemes-can-help-people-on-low-incomes-and-with-disabilities-224844>

"Interest in shared e-bikes and e-scooters, or “micromobility” devices, has
skyrocketed in Australia. Every capital city and over 25 local councils have
trialled shared e-scooter systems through private operators including Lime,
Beam and Neuron.

Public perceptions of these programs are extremely mixed. Some people still
think of these small electric personal vehicles as a passing fad. Or, worse,
they see them as a source of transport system disruption, public space anarchy
and traffic injury.

The truth is more nuanced. Shared scooters and bicycles are gradually being
integrated into the transport system of our cities. Brisbane has led the way,
followed by Melbourne.

Yet some are still wondering whether shared micromobility systems are simply a
fun form of transport for young, mostly male and high-income tourists, or do
they benefit a broader set of users?

Our new research across cities in three different countries paints a very
different picture. Our findings suggest subsidised micromobility programs can
provide significant benefits to vulnerable user groups.

Most shared operators provide discounted rides to low-income customers. In
partnership with Lime, we were able to find out how “Lime Access” customers use
shared e-scooters and e-bikes and how this compares to non-subsidised
customers."

Cheers,
       *** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net               Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/                 Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/            Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/               Manager, Serious Cybernetics

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