Stranger Micromobilities
A video-based exploration of emerging electric micromobility vehicles in Helsinki
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58956/liikenne.178424Avainsanat:
micromobility, personal mobility vehicle, personal light electric vehicles, emerging mobility technology, intermediary vehiclesAbstrakti
As urban mobility systems are undergoing transformations, there is a global trend of increasing diversity of battery-electric micromobility vehicles (EMVs). Such emerging unconventional vehicles include among others fat-tire e-scooters and electric unicycles. Despite this ongoing emergence, the current research has a notable gap in studying this phenomenon. With that gap in mind, this exploratory study investigates the growing presence of EMVs in Helsinki, Finland. Using 64 hours of observational video data collected from four key urban locations in 2021, this is the first study of the real-world usage of these emerging mobility technologies. The findings reveal a measurable presence of EMVs on city streets, contrasting with the dominant focus on standard e-scooters and e-bikes in most of recent research. In addition to quantifying the prevalence of EMVs relative to mainstream micromobility options, the study characterizes the types of vehicles observed, user demographics, and riding behaviors. While EMVs remain less common than conventional electric vehicles, their adoption in Helsinki is already significant. Riders tend to be highly skilled, with distinct patterns between delivery workers and general users. Initial insights suggest that EMV usage is driven by both recreational and practical motives. As an initial investigation, the study highlights the urgent need for further research into the emergence of novel and intermediary vehicles in urban mobility systems worldwide.
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