About the Document
This is a policy report titled Micromobility in London, written by Josh Cottell, Kieran Connelly and Claire Harding and published by Centre for London, the city's think tank, in September 2021. It examines bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters as micromobility and how their wider use could affect carbon emissions, air quality, congestion, safety and access across London.
Method and Scope
The report states that it seeks to synthesise existing evidence about the opportunities and risks of increased access to micromobility and to offer evidence-based recommendations. It draws on studies from France, Salford, Lisbon, Essex, Chicago, Portland and other cities, alongside Transport for London (TfL) data. Its definition of micromobility is based on vehicles that can safely be ridden alongside bicycles in cycle lanes. The authors note that the views expressed are solely their own, and the report lists an advisory group and sponsors including Dott and Voi.
Opportunities for Carbon and Congestion
- Two thirds of car trips in London could be made by bike, e-bike or e-scooter in 20 minutes or less, with 55 per cent of these taking place entirely in outer London.
- Privately owned micromobility emits up to 90 per cent less CO2 than a privately owned car per passenger kilometre, while shared vehicles emit up to 64 per cent less.
- London drivers spend an average of 149 hours a year in traffic, costing an estimated £4.9 billion.
Safety and Access Risks
The report finds that a trip by car or motorcycle is more likely than a trip by walking, cycling or bus to result in death. Cars and larger vehicles are involved in over 80 per cent of conventional bike crashes that kill a rider. Cyclists in London are more likely to be young, male, white and relatively affluent, and cycle lanes and parking are concentrated in inner London.
Key Policy Recommendations
The report recommends that national government give TfL power over city-wide shared micromobility schemes and legalise private ownership of safe micromobility vehicles. It also proposes a distance-based road user charge, Equality Impact Assessments for larger projects, and tax incentives and loans for buying micromobility vehicles.
Why It Matters for London Transport Policy
The report sets out its aim as informing policy on transport in London, and its stated goal is a 'gold standard' low-carbon micromobility ecosystem. It addresses national and London policymakers, including TfL, the Greater London Authority and London boroughs, who are responsible for the rules and infrastructure that would shape micromobility use in the city.