Shared micro-mobilities (SMM) (e.g. (e-)bikes, e-scooters, e-mopeds) are entering European cities at increasing rates. These new mobility options open opportunities and at the same time create challenges to cities, with respect to objectives such as sustainability and inclusiveness. SMM may increase accessibility by offering additional transportation services. Also, SMM may substitute trips that were formerly made by car, and therefore lead to more sustainable travel. However, certain population segments may face limitations in access to SMM, e.g. due to budget constraints or limited ICT related skills. In addition, the presence of SMM in public space may limit walkability, and thereby restrict accessibility of public space. Also, SMM may not only substitute car travel, but also travel by sustainable modes such as active travel and public transport.

COCOMO is a trans-European urban research project which aims to gain knowledge about the implications of SMM for travel behavior, sustainability, and inclusion, as well as how SMM are best combined with existing transportation system and public space. Research teams come from the University of Leeds in the UK, Lund University in Sweden, and Utrecht University in the Netherlands, and each look at a different aspect of the implications of SMM.

The project uses a combination of surveys, mobile interviews, drone observations and analysis of automated user data to investigate how SMM services are used, their effect on accessibility and inclusion and their interaction with other users of public space. Via co-creation workshops with public and stakeholders, we develop guidelines for planners and mobility providers to develop inclusive implementations of SMM.