Shared micromobility and equity: A comparison between station-based, hybrid, and dockless models

This study compares the equality and equity of four shared micromobility models, including station-based bikesharing, hybrid e-bike sharing, hybrid e-scooter sharing, and dockless e-scooter sharing, with a case study in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Equality assessment is made using Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients, which reveals that hybrid and dockless models are relatively more equal than the station-based model. Equity assessment is conducted using regression analysis. Results on supply equity show that station-based and hybrid models are more equitable than the dockless model, as they allocate more devices to economically disadvantaged areas. Regarding utilization equity, regression models yield mixed results: depending on the disadvantaged indicators used to identify disadvantaged communities, both the station-based and hybrid/dockless models can exhibit characteristics of equity or inequity. Overall, our findings suggest that the hybrid model shows the most promising potential for improving both the equality and equity of the spatial distribution of shared micromobility services.