Sharing means of transport in urban areas

Abstract

This article presents an overview of selected forms of so-called shared mobility in cities, along with current trends. It focuses on bicycles, kick scooters and motor scooters. These forms of transport provide a new, unique method of moving around cities. They enhance freedom of movement and are accessible. They are easy to use and users have a positive experience. The growing popularity of these means of transport is reflected in the annual increase in the number of rentals. Usually, they are used to get to work, school, university, office, or a public transport station and back home, as well as for social and recreational purposes. In addition to user safety concerns, the primary challenges for these modes of transport involve infrastructure accessibility, permitted maximum speed, sensitivity to weather conditions, lack of space for luggage or a passenger, battery charging and the choice of the most appropriate business and operational model. The author concludes that the sharing of bicycles, motor scooters, kick scooters and other similar means of transport, i.e. broadly defined micro-mobility, is only at the initial stage of development and, in the coming years, we should expect an even greater demand for these types of urban transportation systems.