How to introduce micromobility to cities? It’s a seemingly simple question, but it’s not that easy. This type of mobility is easily accessible for users, but from a regulatory standpoint, it’s a different story.
“Every city has different needs. They have to apply an excellent and high standard to adapt it to their requirements,” explains Manuel Arauco, CEO of TIER, at the latest event by Portal Movilidad España: “Technological Trends in Electric and Sustainable Mobility in Spain.”
According to the micromobility operator’s director, municipalities must establish clear and consistent rules and regulations from day one.
One of the key factors they should focus on to define a “good system” is score-based criteria. “We’ve seen that the most successful approach is a scoring system, based on what we’ve learned from other more developed countries,” Arauco comments.
The chosen model can make it financially unviable for the operator to perform its functions, highlighting the importance of the adopted model.
Secondly, a city with a lower-quality service will result in precarious jobs and, ultimately, have consequences for the user.
“The key lies in understanding how cities can evaluate a good micromobility system,” explains the CEO.
According to Arauco, the bidding system should be focused on quality, ensuring that the vehicles meet the necessary conditions to comply with the city’s requirements.
Another mentioned factor is striving for operational excellence by the company responsible for managing the vehicles. “This can be measured through user experience and the utilization of technology.”
Additionally, parking, educating users on micromobility rules, and sustainability practices should be included in the regulations.
Lastly, the financial stability of the company must be evaluated. “It is crucial for ensuring the continuity of the service, ongoing investment in technology, and high-quality operations,” argues Arauco.
