Careful what you wish for: New POLIS report explores challenges of shared micromobility regulations
The POLIS Governance & Integration Working Group is launching a brand-new report looking into the challenges of shared micromobility regulations.
The POLIS report 'Careful what you wish for: Practical implications of rules and requirements for shared micromobility' examines the realities of regulating shared e-scooters, e-bikes, and e-mopeds in European cities. Based on expert discussions with local authorities and operators, the report highlights how well-intended rules can lead to unexpected challenges in implementation and enforcement.
The report draws on focus groups and interviews conducted with professionals working in both public authorities and private operators across Europe. It identifies six key areas of regulation—speed limits, parking, helmet requirements, user education, local employment, and life-cycle assessment—exploring their real-world impacts on compliance and enforcement.
Something to give you a taste...
One key finding is that regulation often follows innovation rather than shaping it. The rapid rise of shared micromobility in European cities led to a wave of regulatory responses, but these measures have not always been easy to enforce or align with broader mobility policies. For example, speed limits for shared e-scooters and e-bikes, while designed to improve safety, sometimes increase risks by creating speed differentials with motorised traffic. Similarly, strict parking rules can be difficult to implement without sufficient infrastructure, leading to enforcement challenges and tensions with the public.
The report also highlights how regulatory decisions can shape market dynamics. In some cities, short-term operator licences have led to job instability, while in others, structured public tenders with long-term contracts have improved working conditions. At the same time, efforts to measure environmental impact through life-cycle assessments vary widely, with different methodologies leading to inconsistent comparisons between operators.
What are we saying
Karen Vancluysen, Secretary General of POLIS, said:
'Regulating shared micromobility is not just about setting rules—it is about understanding their real impact on cities, operators, and users. This report provides valuable insights for policymakers looking to develop regulations that are both effective and practical.'
Pedro Homem de Gouveia, Coordinator of the POLIS Governance & Integration Working Group and co-author of the report with Fanny Boccioli, added:
'Regulating shared micromobility is complex. What seems like a simple solution on paper can create real difficulties for those enforcing and complying with the rules. This report is not about taking sides, but about helping policymakers and operators understand the practical implications of their decisions.'
The report on shared micromobility regulations is available here—you can also download it from the side or the bottom of this page.
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