Built environment factors for inclusive e-micromobility: a review based on the capabilities approach

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Electric micromobility (e-micromobility) has gained significant popularity in cities worldwide, yet urban infrastructure often fails to support adequate access to and use of these modes for a wide range of users. This systematic literature review applies the Capabilities Approach to identify key physical features of the built environment necessary to foster e-micromobility as an equitable and inclusive travel option. We analyse how personal, social, political, and economic conversion factors interact with physical features of the built environment to impact the translation of e-micromobility resources into three capabilities: e-micromobility access, mobility and accessibility. Drawing from the review of 31 studies, we discuss the interactions between conversion factors, propose a definition of equitable e-micromobility, and identify infrastructure elements to be prioritised by planners to foster the three capabilities. Key priorities include (i) dockless parking; (ii) dense and connected dedicated lanes, physically segregated from motorised vehicles and pedestrians; (iii) affordable fares of shared systems; and (iv) regulations to reduce conflicts between modes. The findings suggest the need for research that approaches e-micromobility equity from a systems perspective: focusing on the relationships between the conversion factors and on the interactions of e-micromobility with other travel modes. The explicit comparison of how differently e-bikes and e-scooters serve vulnerable groups and the direct elicitation of perceptions and preferences within these groups are also important gaps that should be filled to guide the design and implementation of more equitable e-micromobility systems.