Assessing Environmental Performance of Micromobility Using LCA and Self-Reported Modal Change : the Case of Shared E-Bikes, E-Scooters, and E-Mopeds in Barcelona
Felipe Falgàs, Pol (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament de Geografia)
Madrid, Cristina (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals)
Marquet Sardà, Oriol (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament de Geografia)

Date:	2022
Abstract:	Micromobility is often thought of as a sustainable solution to many urban mobility challenges. The literature to date, however, has struggled to find consensus on the sustainability of shared and electric scooters, e-bikes, and e-mopeds. This paper uses a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach to calculate the impacts of micromobility modes in three categories: Global Warming Potential (GWP), Particulate Matter Formation, and Ozone Formation. It does so by incorporating the self-reported modal change of each transportation mode: shared e-moped, shared e-bicycle, shared bicycle, and personal e-scooter. The results show that modal change brought by the introduction of shared e-mopeds and shared e-bicycles caused an increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while shared bicycles and personal electric scooters decreased GHG emissions. All micromobility modes except personal e-scooters increased particulate matter emissions, but decreased those which were emitted within the city, while they all decreased NOx. The findings of this study suggest new micromobility services are not always the best environmental solution for urban mobility, unless the eco-design of vehicles is improved, and they are strategically used and deployed as part of a holistic vision for transport policy.
Grants:	European Commission 845570 Agencia Estatal de Investigación PID2019-104344RB-I00 Agencia Estatal de Investigación PID2020-119565RJ-100 Agencia Estatal de Investigación RYC2019-026373
Note:	Altres ajuts: Institut de Cultura, Ajuntament de Barcelona. Grant number 19S01360-006
Note:	Unidad de excelencia María de Maeztu CEX2019-000940-M
Rights:	Aquest document està subjecte a una llicència d'ús Creative Commons. Es permet la reproducció total o parcial, la distribució, la comunicació pública de l'obra i la creació d'obres derivades, fins i tot amb finalitats comercials, sempre i quan es reconegui l'autoria de l'obra original.
Language:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; Versió publicada
Subject:	Micromobility ; Shared mobility ; Modal change ; Life cycle assessment ; Environmental performance ; Greenhouse gas emissions ; Public health ; Two-wheeled vehicles
Published in:	Sustainability, Vol. 14, Issue 7 (March 2022) , art. 4139, ISSN 2071-1050

Adreça alternativa: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/7/4139
DOI: 10.3390/su14074139

17 p, 2.7 MB

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Research literature > UAB research groups literature > Research Centres and Groups (research output) > Experimental sciences > Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA)
Articles > Published articles