What is “micromobility”? What is “e-micromobility”?

• Micromobility is a term used to describe modes of transport suitable for short distances that use little or no power. Micromobility usually refers to small, lightweight, frequently single-person vehicles, but it can also include vehicle-free transportation such as walking or running. Traditional pedal bicycles and scooters are forms of micromobility.

• E-micromobility, also known as “electric-micromobility,” refers specifically to those vehicles powered by small electric motors. Here in the UK, we’re most likely to see e-micromobility in the form of e-bikes (including e-cargo bikes) and e-scooters, but there are many forms of this type of transport, with new forms developing all the time. Segways, hoverboards, go-peds (combustion engine-powered kick-scooters), powered unicycles, and u-wheels are also all forms of e-micromobility.

Some of these sound pretty far-fetched as serious forms of transport. Are they legal?

• In the UK, privately owned e-micromobility vehicles are illegal to use on public roads and paths, including cycle lanes. The exception to this is electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs), commonly known as e-bikes, which are covered by different regulations.

If they’re illegal why do we see e-scooters in use in some cities?

• The UK government Department for Transport looked into the use of e-micromobility by trialling the use of e-scooters in 55 locations around the UK, through approved rental schemes. In those locations it remained illegal to use a privately owned e-scooter but legal to rent one.  So, the current legal situation in the UK means that private ownership of most forms of micromobility is limited. Again, the exception is e-bikes and e-cargo bikes which can be ridden on roads whether privately owned or through hired through a rental scheme.

Where does the ELEVATE research project fit in?

• The universities of Brighton, Leeds and Oxford have come together to look at e-micromobility (electrically powered scooters, bikes, skateboards etc.) and whether it can change the way we travel. The ELEVATE project researchers want to know:
  • Could e-micromobility be a practical alternative to car use?
  • Can e-micromobility realistically make travel feel easier and more active, while in the process, reducing carbon emissions? 
• To answer these questions the project researchers have asked neighbourhoods in Leeds, Oxford and Brighton & Hove to share their views on e-micromobility via a survey. We then offered residents in those neighbourhoods the chance to try one of the legal modes of e-micromobility – an e-cargo bike – for one month. 

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