3 ways micromobility transportation is good for the environment
Are you doing everything you can to sustain a healthy environment? Riding micromobility vehicles like e-scooters and e-bikes is a smart commuting option for our environment, thanks to the use of electric-powered batteries.
Here are three reasons why micromobility is excellent for our environment.
1 – It helps reduce emissions
Micromobility vehicles allow for fewer emissions than traditional ones. E-scooters have swappable batteries. Those batteries can reduce emissions by 51 percent, according to consulting company EY. Micromobility vehicles can also help reduce congestion in cities, which can help with emissions.
Here’s how it can add up. A recent study measured how micromobility is better for the environment because it releases less carbon dioxide. The unit of measure was “CO2 grams equivalent per person per kilometer.” For example, an e-scooter releases 67 CO2 grams per person per kilometer. Meanwhile, a car releases a whopping 300 CO2 grams. So even if it is a short trip, the car emits more CO2 than an e-scooter.
The batteries are made to last longer, so there are fewer charges, which means even more efficiency for riders in the future.
2 – Potential to eliminate traffic congestion
It’s no secret our urban areas are packed with vehicles. Micromobility vehicles can reduce congestion as more people leave the car behind and take an e-scooter or e-bike when they need to go somewhere.
E-scooters have demonstrated that they can help public transportation reduce congestion. Rather than take a car on a short trip, e-scooters have found a niche to help people with their “first mile” and “last mile” trips, whether they are getting to public transportation, work, or somewhere else. According to EY, this reduces reliance on cars and the congestion cars cause. It also means cities can use their parking shared public spaces more efficiently.
While it has not happened on a wide-scale effort yet, there is evidence that bike-sharing, a form of micromobility, can help lower traffic congestion, according to a study that looked at congestion in 96 urban areas.
3 – Less noise pollution
Air pollution has the worst impact on people’s health, but noise pollution is right behind it, according to the World Health Organization. Noise pollution from traffic is invading our lives more and more every year. About 97 percent of people in the United States are exposed to traffic noise from nearby roads. Heavy traffic registers at about 80 decibels, which is about the same as a loud restaurant. It’s recommended that people hear no more than 40 decibels of noise outside their bedroom.
While e-bikes and e-scooters make some noise, they are not as loud as cars, trucks, or motorcycles. Rather than hearing honking horns all the time, there’s less noise and stress associated with them.
If you’re interested in commuting with micromobility, there are several options available, including bike-sharing, moped rentals, and scooter rentals. Some of our partners even provide discounted programs to our clients.
Looking to add micromobility to your benefits package? Book a meeting with us so we can help you get started.
