MICROMOBILITY PROMISES AND CHALLENGES IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Abstract

This study used a questionnaire survey method to understand how people use micromobility and the opportunities and challenges associated with its adoption in the Pacific Northwest (Alaska, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho). With 527 respondents who generally represented the demographics of the area, this study found that micromobility is becoming an important mode share in daily life. Using micromobility is positively associated with the possession of a higher education degree, being employed, living in an urban area, and the perception that using micromobility can benefit environmental and social issues. It is negatively associated with increasing age, self-identifying as female, and having a disability. People use micromobility more for commuting and recreational purposes. Commuting use is significantly positively affected by respondents’ perceptions of micromobility’s benefits, but negatively affected by income, being female, and having a disability. Recreational use is significantly positively affected by age, being female, and marital status. We also found that younger respondents tend to use micromobility more for occasional purposes (e.g., recreation, shopping, and social visits), but older respondents use it more for commuting. In considering the impacts of COVID-19, we found a significant decrease in usage frequency when the stay-at-home orders were implemented in terms of four ride purpose categories (commuting, recreational, shopping, and social). Furthermore, this study identified three reasons people have for not using micromobility: lack of access, lack of ability or skills, and worry about safety. However, we also found the potential for a large mode shift toward micromobility if those issues were resolved. Combining the findings about the usage of micromobility and public transit, evidence was provided to support that micromobility can be an effective standalone mode or a first- and last-mile mode for public transit to address current transportation issues such as traffic congestion and emissions. Based on the findings from the survey, this study also provides recommendations for authorities to support policymaking and infrastructure investment.