Micro mobility refers to mobility related to urban travel and short distances, characterized by the use of vehicles that are less heavy and voluminous and potentially less polluting than traditional ones.
A survey conducted by Izi on behalf of Assosharing shows that more and more citizens see micro-mobility as a solution for solving urban travel problems. 63.8 % of respondents in Milan and 57.9 % in Rome said that they consider bicycles, mopeds, and scooters a valid solution, regardless of their use. The under-34 age group is the one that looks most favorably on these means of transport. In this regard, the use of shared vehicles is growing, although still secondary to owning vehicles. Shared mobility is therefore becoming an increasingly important alternative for those living in big cities, as demonstrated by the 36.6% of car-sharing users in Milan and 33.9% in Rome. Bikes also have important percentages: 28.7% of all interviewees in Milan use them, while 21.5% in Rome use them. The percentage of scooters is also growing: they move with agility, reduce travel time, and can be parked easily. Lower percentages, but still significant, for electric scooters.
Another important aspect is the variety of vehicles offered by different services, which is considered essential to guarantee broad, efficient and accessible coverage for as many people as possible. Only four provincial capitals have all the different types of service (cars, bicycles, scooters, and scooters), Milan, Rome, Turin, and Florence.
The urban scenario is evolving rapidly and, driven also by the social and health context of recent years, will bring enormous changes. The demand for motorbikes, minicars, bicycles, e-bikes and scooters, which until a few years ago were relegated to residual use over short distances and the prerogative of a few users, is increasing rapidly and the growing demand for smart mobility will also have to be met in terms of safety. Many shared micro-mobility companies, for example, have relied on GPS systems and satellite technologies to improve service, protect vehicles against theft, or perhaps to determine whether or not driving behaviour is appropriate. We believe at Viasat that sustainability in mobility must necessarily be accompanied by technological and digital innovation. Hence, through new and increasingly high-performance devices, Viasat is able to guarantee 24-hour protection and assistance services in case of need, even to users of light mobility, who are the ones most exposed to risks.
Find out more on the Viasat Smart Connect Business Unit page