What Exactly is Micromobility?

If we take a very brief zoom through history, electric scooters were being used over a century ago. As time went on, the automobile, or car, took centre stage for moving people, developing from what we might now consider to be a basic machine, although in fact it was a revolution, feared by some, seen as a danger by many, loved by others. Goods carried by horse and cart, and train, steam, diesel and electric all playing a part, feared by some, seen as a danger by many, loved by others, and at this point, talking of good, I must express disappointment that Eagle transporters were not flying around by the year 1999 (yes, I am still bitter about that one).

The point being, throughout history, modes of transport have faced the same challenges, and in our current times, microbility vehicles face those same issues… feared by some, seen as a danger by many, loved by others.

Micromobility refers to light vehicles (typically electric) used for short-distance urban transportation. These vehicles provide a sustainable and flexible alternative, helping to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions.

Within this area, Vehículos de Movilidad Personal (VMP), or Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs), also more commonly known as e-scooters, stand out. These vehicles are intended for the transportation of a single person and must meet certain technical requirements in order to be able to circulate. There are also equivalent vehicles for carrying goods, or for commercial use, including for deliveries, but they must meet different, and stricter technical requirements.

While there is no single definition or categorisation in the European Economic Area regarding which specific vehicle types should be included within the scope of micromobility, certain European Commission studies tend to include the following vehicles within this concept:

Electric Power Assisted Cycles (EPACs) with a maximum assisted speed of 25km/h and a maximum continuous rated motor power of 250W.

• Motorised mopeds L1e-A, including those with 2, 3 or 4 wheels.
• L1e-B mopeds.
• E-scooters (or VMP in Spain).
• Other vehicles powered by the human body such as bicycles or skates.

In urban areas, all these vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, especially motorised vehicles, driven both by the growing demand for more sustainable modes of transport and by technological advances that improve user experience and operational efficiency, not to forget the personal economic benefits.

Various studies have shown that private motor vehicle use accounts for a significant proportion of the distribution by mode of transport, reaching 48% in the European Union and 45% worldwide.

The growing need for effective urban space management and sustainability goals are driving alternative types of travel using more sustainable vehicles, including bicycles, PMVs, and even walking.

While most mobility vehicles have regulations governing their technical characteristics, the recent emergence of so-called “Personal Mobility Vehicles” has necessitated determining both their specific definition and their requirements for circulation, the latter point being highlighted by the European Commission as significant for road safety.

In Spain, the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) continues to advance its analysis of new micromobility vehicles to ensure their safe circulation.