minimobility
This article is available also in Spanish here

What is minimobility?

My list

Author | Lucía Burbano

While the debate continues regarding the implementation of micromobility, another concept is starting to gain momentum in cities: minimobility. Three and four wheels are starting to compete with two-wheeled bicycles and scooters. Can both forms of mobility coexist in cities? How do they differ?

Characteristics of minimobility

Unlike micromobility, this urban mobility segment is made up of three- or four-wheeled vehicles, which are mainly electric and capable of transporting one or two people. They weigh between 100 and 500 kilograms and speeds vary between 25 and 90 km/hour.

They also have the following characteristics:

  • They are powered by electricity: Electric vehicles are set to replace conventional fossil fuel vehicles as a feasible and sustainable solution. However, sales of these electric vehicles have been slow, partly due to the high purchase costs, which is solved by these smaller vehicles.
  • Small sizes: As they are smaller than electric cars, they are easier to park. On the other hand, their larger size, compared with bicycles and scooters, make them more visible in traffic situations and, therefore, safer for their occupants.
  • They use fewer resources: They require fewer resources and less energy during their production phase. This is particularly important when referring to electric batteries, with current production shortages. Many regions, including the European Union, will not be able to produce enough green energy at a local level for decades.
  • More comfortable than bicycles and scooters: If they are compared with micromobility options, these types of vehicles are more comfortable since they allow their occupants to be seated and protect them from inclement weather.

Minimobility and its place in cities.

minimobility 2

McKinsey’s study entitled ‘Minimobility: The next big thing in urban mobility?’, indicates that in urban areas, this form of mobility represents a feasible alternative that provides significant benefits including decongestion, fewer space requirements and low emissions..

After analyzing a minimobility survey conducted in eight countries, the consulting firm states that this segment is particularly welcome in countries with a long history of small vehicles, like China. The opposite occurs in Germany and Austria, for example, in which people are used to driving large vehicles.

Another interesting result is that, regardless of nationality, the consumer segment most interested in these vehicles lives in urban and suburban areas, where it is the norm to drive shorter distances than those living in rural areas.

Examples of minimobility in the world

minimobility 3

Today, most minimobility options belong to the private sector. Shared ownership is more common in the European Union, particularly in France.

Bzzt Stockholm

Bzzt is a zero-emissions "pod taxi" minimobility service currently operating in Stockholm, Sweden, and launched in 2017. It focuses on last mile delivery using two- or three-wheeled vehicles in the center of the Swedish capital. One in five citizens has the application and it has already expanded to other cities including Malmö and Gothenburg.

Yipi in Jalisco

Yipi defines itself as a sustainable minimobility solution in Mexico, where 80% of the population lives in the city. Similar to the previous case, it is also designed for short distances, which are booked via its application. According to its website, in Latin America, transport accounts for one third of the country’s carbon dioxide emissions, which is more than enough reason to promote its implementation.

Photographs | Toyota, Bzzt

Related Content

Recommended profiles for you

AM
AbdulRazak Mohamed
School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada
Professor and Head Department of Planning
XB
Xiao Bian
Renmin University of China & University of Groningen
ON
ouqwf nasv
js
AG
Abhishek Garg
Sole Proprietors
Sole Proprietors
AA
Abdulla AlMadani
Quantum IT Consultancy Services
CEO and Partner
AN
Abhishek Nair
Mahindra first choice wheels
AK
A.A.M. Kusse
Geospatial Strategies
Director
AS
Abhishek Sinha
Joyride
AA
Aarón Alberto Abad alva
Del Olmo & Rullan
Architect
AG
Abhishek Goturkar
Technische Universität München
M.Sc.
YY
Yuki Yuki
ZISU
DC
Diego Castañeda
BUAP
Karolína Čuntalová
VUT
AT
Abhi Thorat Thorat
Strategic Alliance Consulting (SAC)
SX
Shu Xue
UWA
文邓
文浩 邓
amanzaon
AM
abid mukhtyar mohammad
school of architecture jammu
AA
Abdulaziz Almogren
SILZ
AC
ABOULAYE SIHINTCHINWON COULIBALY
myself
Team leader
AA
Abdiwahab Abdiwali Abdulkadir
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Onging Msc in Transportation engineering