Abstract
The character of urban mobility is radically changing because of the explosive growth of dockless shared micromobility options. Although these new forms of mobility are freeing riders from ownershipconstrained travel choices, they are also creating uncertainty amongst transport planners and policymakers. These professionals are struggling to manage the potential impacts of various devices in the existing transport paradigm. Developing, adopting, and enforcing regulations that aim to maximize micromobility options while simultaneously ensuring public safety, is proving to be a challenging task across New Zealand, as each region acts within its bylaws to regulate use. The devices have been
criticised across New Zealand for hasty integration without considerations for their potential impacts, while simultaneously, considerable uptake across the population has been observed. The aim of this thesis is to; (a) Understand how the current planning framework locally, regionally, and nationally enable or inhibit micromobility options, including what currently works and what could incentivise future use as a meaningful transport alternative, (b) Comprehend stakeholder perception of the current micromobility framework, and (c) Find viable recommendations to incentivise future use as a meaningful transport alternative.
Theoretical approaches and international practice on themes of urban form and transport connections, as well as micromobility and public perception have been explored in a five-part international literature review, which includes three case studies. The focus of the international literature and case studies is primarily on the role which micromobility plays in the urban environment and successful policy
approaches and regulations to managing micromobility as utilised overseas.
In other words, the study aimed to identify existing gaps in policy, that need to be addressed, to both regulate and integrate micromobility options into future transport planning. To examine the benefitsand pitfalls of micromobility a policy document analysis was undertaken, and Key Informants were interviewed in Dunedin. The results showed a gradual shift in policy to promote alternative forms of transport, however other documents were outdated, particularly considering the possible effects of the Accessible Streets Regulatory Package.
Findings from Key Informants showed that infrastructure, footpath usage, intoxication, licensing costs, speed and the lack of safety equipment, represent major barriers to using micromobility options, which need to be addressed at different scales of policy. The Key Informants highlighted aspects of technology, education, enforcement and investments as being critical approaches which require approaches from both local and national levels to effectively regulate e-scooters, as well as future emerging micromobility options.
Further, findings indicate that there is an acceptance for micromobility in Dunedin, with the focus being on establishing a working relationship with the company, with the intent to introduce licensing agreements in the future. At the national scale, there was an observable lack of documents surrounding micromobility. Key Informants were optimistic about the Accessible Streets Regulatory Package, although noting that for managing new technology, policy may not be enough, advocating for proactive guidance measures, to give councils tools to respond quickly.
The research concludes with recommendations to the Dunedin City Council and the New Zealand Transport Agency that could aid in regulating micromobility, primarily dockless-shared e-scooters in a beneficial way. At the national level, these approaches include, finalising the Accessible Streets Regulatory Package, with the key aspect being speed limits and the new transport definitions to provide clarity, introducing enforcement parameters, setting alcohol limitations, and providing country wide education. At the local levels the highlighted approaches include amending the Mobile Trading and Temporary Stall Bylaw, Geofencing high frequency pedestrian routes, obtain usage data, provide infrastructure, work with vulnerable groups, include micromobility within long term plans, policies and objectives and subsidise transport to achieve transport objectives. The importance of developing a regulatory framework in Dunedin is through the need for regulation for e-scooters to address equity
concerns among other modes of transport and integrate the mode to one that can benefit the individual and the city in the future.