Op-Ed: Using micromobility to transform urban transportation

Transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for nearly a third of the total in the U.S. alone. Furthermore, commuters can lose up to 102 hours per year stuck in traffic congestion. With mounting concerns over climate impact, wasted time and return-to-office mandates, major metropolitan areas are incentivizing behavior shifts—such as New York City's congestion pricing initiative, which aims to reduce gridlock while raising funds for public transit. These measures reflect a growing recognition that urban mobility must evolve. 

However, micromobility represents more than an emerging trend; it has the strong potential to transform urban design and transportation altogether. These human-powered or electric vehicles fill critical gaps in transit networks, providing a sustainable and efficient solution for short-distance travel.  

For micromobility to realize its full potential and drive a meaningful shift in urban transportation, cities must integrate these solutions thoughtfully and strategically. Prioritizing accessibility, usability and dedicated infrastructure is crucial to ensuring the widespread adoption and seamless integration of micromobility into existing transit networks. 

An integrated transportation ecosystem 

Cars will always remain integral to the mobility landscape. However, manufacturers are no longer approaching them solely as a method of transportation—they are evolving into shared, multifunctional spaces that address diverse needs beyond commuting. Likewise, public transit remains a cornerstone of urban mobility. The challenge lies in seamlessly bridging the gap between these modes, efficiently completing a journey after parking a car or stepping off a train. 

The electrification of micromobility options like e-scooters and e-bikes has been a promising step toward addressing the last-mile problem. Integrating these solutions with infrastructure, such as charging stations and bus shelters, enhances their seamlessness and accessibility.  

Meanwhile, new vehicle types are being designed to offer sustainable, community-driven alternatives. For instance, the CRU by Club Car blends the functionality of a golf cart with the convenience of a compact automobile. Other examples include electric skateboards, hoverboards and even electric unicycles. Designed for short trips in suburban environments, these vehicles prioritize shared experiences, fostering social interaction while reducing emissions. Such innovations illustrate how micromobility is evolving beyond utility; it’s about creating mobility solutions people want to use. 

Designing for people 

Good design often determines whether people embrace a new mobility option or revert to less efficient habits. As micromobility solutions become more intuitive, enjoyable and accessible, they are more likely to achieve widespread adoption at scale. 

Los Angeles serves as a compelling case study. Long considered the epitome of car culture, the city ranks among the world's most traffic-congested and accident-prone urban centers. Due to the lack of alternative infrastructure, residents often have no choice but to own cars. However, with the challenge of hosting a carless 2028 Olympics on the horizon, Los Angeles has a unique opportunity to rethink mobility solutions. Implementing mixed-use planning and better-designed urban spaces can encourage behavioral shifts, making alternatives to personal vehicles both viable and desirable. 

Cities that remain fundamentally hostile to non-car mobility, forcing pedestrians to navigate through parking lots to reach businesses, will experience stagnation in micromobility adoption. Instead, cities should develop mobility hubs—to serve as seamless transition points, allowing people to switch between transit modes easily. 

Digital connectivity: The missing piece 

Physical infrastructure is only half of the equation for successful micromobility adoption. Digital integration is equally crucial. If people remain unaware of available micromobility options or cannot easily access them, they will default to driving. Providing a seamless, user-friendly experience, whether through a dedicated app, public displays or universal transit cards, is key to encouraging the use of micromobility solutions. 

One of the biggest obstacles to widespread micromobility adoption is fragmentation. Few commuters want to juggle multiple apps to plan and access various transportation options for a single trip from point A to point B. Without an integrated system, many will likely opt for the simplicity of driving their personal vehicles.  

Ultimately, widespread adoption of micromobility solutions will happen in two ways:  

1. Either the status quo of personal vehicle usage becomes too painful to continue   
2. The new micromobility solutions prove so compelling that people naturally embrace them. 

Great design facilitates the latter scenario. By prioritizing intuitive, connected and user-centric experiences, micromobility providers can position their solutions as the go-to choice rather than an afterthought for urban transportation. 

A more equitable future for transportation 

As cities grow and face inefficiencies in traditional transit systems, micromobility options provide functional, eco-friendly, community and user-centric solutions. Widespread adoption of micromobility will improve traffic conditions and enhance accessibility for those without access to personal vehicles, creating a more equitable transportation ecosystem. As cities invest in dedicated lanes, charging stations and sustainable design, micromobility can become a core component of innovative city initiatives.