Planning for the Future of E-Micromobility
Planning for the Future of E-Micromobility
E-bikes and e-scooters have encouraged many people to change the way they travel, with children and older riders alike embracing two-wheeled devices.
But these “e-micromobility” travel options also bring new challenges. Jurisdictions across the US struggle with inconsistent regulations, greater safety risks for riders, and constrained bike facilities that aren’t well suited to higher-speed devices.
Rapid growth only compounds these challenges. E-bike sales in the US nearly quadrupled from 2019 to 2022 alone, and they continue to grow in popularity.
Exploring Solutions to Common Challenges
We’ve been analyzing the evolution of e-micromobility for a while now. And in all of the areas we serve, similar questions and concerns arise:
- Confusion around the different device classifications
- Concerns about youth inexperience regarding rules of the road
- Risks from speed differences on shared-use paths and bike facilities
ITE Quick Bite Report
Considerations for E-Bikes in Policy, Planning, and Design gives agencies clear guidance on e-bike regulations and classifications, offers recommendations for incorporating e-bikes into transportation plans, and outlines design considerations for bikeways that accommodate a wider range of speeds, devices, and rider needs.
E-Micromobility White Paper
We helped MetroPlan Orlando develop E-Micromobility: A Primer for Florida Transportation Professionals and Policymakers. This white paper offers policy and planning recommendations from Florida and across the nation to help agencies prepare for the continued growth of e-micromobility.
We are constantly exploring ways to help our clients adjust to change, with the shared goal of safety and mobility for all. Contact us if you need help preparing for the future of e-micromobility!
share this article
Contributors
Natalie Chyba, PE
Senior Associate
Email Me
Angelica Rocha, AICP
Senior Transportation Planner
Email Me
Explore More
Jason Xu Joins Fehr & Peers as Principal
Meet Jason Xu and his approach to improving transportation operations, signal systems, and corridor coordination.
Announcing Safety Multipliers
What do San Francisco’s Van Ness BRT, New York’s congestion pricing, and Arlington’s intersection program have in common? Each pulls all three Safe System levers at once. We call that pattern a safety multiplier.
Evacuation Impact Assessment Checklist
Recent California decisions and the Attorney General’s 2022 guidance have raised expectations for how CEQA documents address evacuation. Our Evacuation Impact Assessment Checklist is a qualitative analysis tool that helps teams organize evidence, screen for potential impacts, and reach a defensible conclusion faster, so time and effort can shift from extensive quantification to identifying mitigation and evacuation improvements.





