European Intelligent Transport Systems organisation ERTICO – ITS Europe is hosting a Focus On event on micromobility on 7 December in London.
In its invitation, the organisation says: Micromobility encompasses a wide range of low-speed (generally under 25 km/h) vehicles using human power (active travel, e.g. pedal cycles and kick-scooters) and/or electrical assistance.
Although the pedal cycle is one of the oldest modes of transport, the more recent advent of e-bikes, e-scooters, monowheels, etc. as well as short-term hire and sharing schemes in cities, brought about the term micromobility from the end of the 1990s.
The great variety of micromobility vehicles in recent years (size, speed, legal classification), has led to a debate on the role these vehicles should play in urban and suburban mobility, their benefits and issues to be addressed. While most cities are increasing road space for active travel (in particular cycle lanes), there is discussion on what new micromobility modes can use them.
Another point is the use of urban space for micromobility parking, particularly by operator of shared vehicles. The degree of regulation of sharing operators, road use by different kinds of light vehicles, safety aspects and integration into urban transport networks are key issues.
The role of ITS both in terms of facilitating sustainable and seamless mobility and also in terms of multimodal tra c and road space management, is a key discussion topic, with cities looking for the best responses to mobility changes and new business models which may be innovative but also disruptive.
This Focus On will feature two panel sessions with micromobility stakeholders sharing their views on these important topics while a third session will focus on the regulatory options that cities and national decision-makers have at their disposal.
The event takes place from 10am-4pm at Friends House, 173-177 Euston Road, NW1 2BJ, London.
(Picture – Dott)
