Micro-mobility: A Policy Vacuum in Australia

Micro-mobility innovations have significant potential for a transition to sustainable mobility by offering an alternative to the car for short distance journeys and for a wider group of users than the conventional bike. This research examines the transport strategies of three Australian cities - Perth, Melbourne and Sydney - through a “policy instruments” approach offered by the NATO framework in order to understand the role of governments in influencing the use of these modes. “Authority” has been the overriding policy instrument where regulation focuses on rider behaviour with little focus on shaping other actors in the transport space or in a consideration of how transport infrastructure can be adapted for these new modes. The findings suggest a limited use of policy instruments with a narrow, over-regulatory approach towards micromobility and an absence of long-range plans that would facilitate their use thus embracing their potential contribution to the transport system.