6th Cities Symposium on Micromobility – Shifting Perspectives for the Future of Mobility
On September 16, 2024, Voi hosted the 6th Cities Symposium on Micromobility. The event provided a platform to discuss the key success factors of shared mobility and to explore current projects and research findings. The theme of "shifting perspectives" was a recurring topic throughout the event.
Dr. Philipp Scharfenberger: Measures to Promote Sustainable Micromobility
Dr. Philipp Scharfenberger from the Institute for Mobility at the University of St. Gallen (IMO-HSG) opened the symposium with a scientific perspective on promoting sustainable (micro)mobility. The institute adopts a behavioral approach, emphasizing that the mobility transition can only be achieved through changes in human behavior.
A key finding from his research shows that flexibility, user-friendliness, and time savings are the main reasons why people opt for shared micromobility. Environmental considerations, however, play a less significant role in consumers' actual decisions. This also highlights the continued importance of car usage in everyday mobility.
Scharfenberger identified three central measures to advance sustainable micromobility: optimizing individual services, intelligently linking different mobility options, and developing appropriate infrastructure such as bike and micromobility lanes. He urged participants to stay open to innovation and actively test new ideas.
Michael Bartnik: Jelbi – The Mobility Platform for Berlin
Michael Bartnik, Deputy Head of Jelbi (BVG), then provided insights from the perspective of a major public multimodal mobility provider and presented the diverse success story of Jelbi.
The Jelbi app connects various mobility options in Berlin – from e-scooters and bicycles to car-sharing and public transportation – on a single platform. Jelbi's goal is to provide seamless and easy access to shared mobility services, thereby encouraging a shift away from private car ownership. Additionally, the regulatory framework project has established a dense network of sharing stations in Berlin, organizing services and integrating them into public transport systems.
With over 948,000 downloads and 2.7 million rentals of shared vehicles at 260 Jelbi locations, the platform and its expansions have already made a significant contribution to the modal shift.
Jelbi collaborates within "Europe’s largest mobility alliance" with mobility providers and location partners, such as housing associations and private partners, to secure suitable spaces in densely populated Berlin, facilitating the transition to environmentally friendly mobility. Jelbi also offers a mobility budget and special rental packages.
Bartnik concluded by highlighting an ongoing mobility survey. Berlin residents can visit www.BVG.de/umfrage to answer questions about their mobility habits and contribute to shaping future mobility concepts for the city of Berlin.
Martin Becker: Regulatory Solutions in E-Scooter Sharing
The event concluded with a presentation by Martin Becker, Head of Public Policy & Communications at Voi, who offered the provider’s perspective and discussed the three key “drivers” of e-scooter sharing. According to Becker, a balanced micromobility offering must always rest on three pillars: city compatibility – meaning seamless and efficient integration into municipal structures; economic viability – ensuring the financial sustainability of providers; and user appeal – providing affordable and easily accessible mobility options for the public.
Becker emphasized that any concept that neglects one of these aspects is unlikely to be successful in the long term. User-friendliness and economic viability are not only ends in themselves but crucial levers to drive the modal shift, which in turn improves city compatibility – by reducing car use and easing traffic congestion. This is particularly evident during public transport strikes, when many people switch to micromobility solutions.
Watch the Recording
The 6th Cities Symposium on Micromobility provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of shared mobility. Key success factors, such as emotional engagement, the integration of various mobility options, and the development of appropriate infrastructure, were identified as essential for promoting sustainable mobility.
The event recording can be accessed here (in German)
