So, You Want to Implement a Micromobility Program
It takes time to perfect them. Don’t let that stop you from trying.
When shared electric scooters appeared on the sidewalks in cities back in 2018, residents reacted with a mix of puzzlement, surprise, delight, and frustration. Cities’ reactions were just as swift, if less predictable, ranging from outright bans to a laissez faire approach.
In the four years since, both cities and fleet operators have changed how they approach each other. Scooter companies’ business models have solidified and their operations have matured. Cities that want micromobility on their own terms have passed ordinances that set boundaries on the number, location, and type of vehicles placed on their streets. The cities that have put in the work have seen terrific results: reduced car trips and pollution, increased access to jobs and culture, and revenue that the cities can reinvest in non-auto modes of transit. This more mature micromobility landscape has been facilitated by mobility data management platforms like Populus that streamline the implementation and automation of policies.
Still, some cities that weren’t part of that first wave have taken a hyper-cautious approach to micromobility. They are so concerned with getting the roll-out wrong that they avoid getting started. Likewise, they are wary of engaging with mobility data management platforms, mistakenly thinking that these solutions are only for mature shared mobility markets. In fact, mobility data management platforms can help cities prepare for a successful launch of new shared mobility programs.
Analysis paralysis
Shared mobility managers have a lot of questions to answer before their programs hit the streets:
How many scooters should we allow, and where?
What should we charge per ride? What if it’s too high? Or too low?
How do we stop them from parking in wheelchair ramps?
What if they go too fast?
Etcetera.
One step at a time
The good news is there is no single answer to these questions. The better news is that with a shared mobility data management platform like Populus, you can fine-tune your program as you go.
Populus is highly adept at guiding the implementation of new programs. As the leader in shared mobility data management space, we have helped over 80 cities strategize to implement policies, fee schema, and identify strategic locations for the development of micromobility infrastructure.
Low risk, high reward
Cities can implement short-term test runs with one or more mobility operators. Even if you are only working with one operator, each additional scooter trip helps paint a picture of the potential for micromobility in your city. As your city tallies more rides, you’ll gain insights into starting points, ending points, popular routes and more data points that can point the way toward an expanded and more impactful program.
Getting started
If you’re ready, we’re ready to help. We’ll provide you and your team a brief demonstration of what your city and citizens stand to gain by pushing forward. We also offer additional resources to support program development:
Mobility Data Standards: What They Are & How to Implement Them (Whitepaper)
Managing Micromobility: How Policies, Fees, and Incentives Can Drive Program Success (Webinar Recording)
We can also provide guidance on how to approach permitting and procurement based on your city’s unique requirements and rules. After your demo, we are happy to provide you with additional resources to help ensure your program’s success.