The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel infectious viral disease that can be transmitted by way of droplets and close contact with infected patients. The viral disease is primarily caused by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), and has been declared a pandemic last March 2020. Mass transit is strictly in effect with health protocols implemented on a higher level. Electric Scooters can answer to the needs of social distancing while going through errands after the quarantine.
Pandemic Effect on Micro Mobility
This pandemic is, without a doubt, a major global health crisis and one of the greatest challenges that people are facing today. Since its emergence late last year, it has been redefining the communities’ way of life, and in just a matter of days, our daily routines have been forever disrupted.
Healthcare providers from affected countries, in conjunction with their government’s health sectors, are tasked to limit the spread of this illness by disrupting the status quo. From conducting mass testing, carrying out contact tracing and providing access to necessary treatment to limiting incoming and outgoing flights, halting of public transport operations, either completely or partially, social distancing, cancelling mass gatherings and the like.
Social Distancing and Electric Scooters
While this virus outbreak has placed the entire life on the globe on pause, it could very well cause a catastrophic socio-economic and political crisis that would leave each one of us struggling to pick up the pieces. With countless infrastructure being shut down, although with some exemptions. Many individuals are left wondering how they can acquire the basic needs for their day-to-day living. Mass transit halted as social distancing went up for enforcement. Electric scooters will be the answer to the present woes of society in terms of transport.
The world currently runs on strict sanitation protocols—face masks, disinfectants, antiseptics and hand hygiene, along with social distancing measures. Which are imposed strongly especially to those who need to run errands in order to keep their supplies from running out. Even though it is yet unsure how long this pandemic would last, the commuters’ way of traveling from one location to the other may long be affected. At this point in time, micromobility might become a practical solution – enter electric scooters .
Micro Mobility for Essential Employees
Unlike before when cities filled up streets with cars on a bumper to bumper scenario. Citizens from urban and rural areas rushed to get to work or school on time. Many new struggles have presented themselves in the face of this pandemic. One of these is the limited number of transportation. Many were sent home due to suspension of classes or sent to work from home, there are still a lot of existing essential employees. Such as hospital, law enforcement workers or even grocery-store workers, across the world who continue to commute to work either by way of public transportation or their own personal vehicles. This is where micromobility comes in.
Micro Mobility in Demand
Micro Mobility is a means of travel solution especially for short distances. Horace Dediu, a business and technology analyst, coined the term “micromobiltiy”. It includes a range of small, lightweight equipment that can operate at a maximum speed of 25 km/hr. This makes it ideal for individuals who need to make trips up to 10km. Bicycles, electric scooters and ebikes are all examples of micro mobility devices.
Health Protocols on Ride Sharing with Electric Scooters
At this time of adversity, micro mobility has stressed its importance and has become a lifeline for individuals who have few travel options. And in time, may be a crucial component of the communities’ resilience and anticipation for threats towards public health. As some cities begin to adapt to the new reality. Community bike share programs saw an initial surge as commuters favor a more open air transport experience during their essential trips.
New York, Chicago and Philadelphia are some of the states that remain under community quarantine. Countries like China, Beijing has recently lately lifted its stay-home orders. Resulting in a 187% increase in ridership as many refrain from crowded places and use of public transit systems. The growth reflects how micro mobility can be essential in recovering areas. Consumers remain reluctant to use public transportation, bicycles and e-scooters can aid them bounce back into the community.
Electric Scooters
In first world countries, electric scooters might be more sensible for long-distance trips that might last longer. Companies like Gruv and Lyft, have been providing free e-scooter rides for frontliners to work. Nonprofit bikeshare systems in Kansas and Detroit have been offering free bike and scooter rides for everyone. Another e-scooter company called Lime made its initiative to address each essential worker’s need for transportation. While achieving social distancing in the midst of the pandemic.
As this shift in transport preference is becoming more and more evident. Participating industries are using this opportune time to gather a wider set of audiences who otherwise do not own personal vehicles. With these changes, communities across the world are revealing how micro mobility plays a critical role. Instilling preparedness during these unfortunate circumstances. Encouraging deployment of these devices might ease the global transportation struggles. Adapting and supporting those who need it the most.
With our presently changing norm, cities are developing more convenient ways to allow more access to pedestrian and micro mobility options. Rather than expanding freeways and other roads to accommodate more vehicles. The current pandemic has accelerated this development of a pedestrian-centric environment, granting transit while allowing minimal human contact. At the same time reducing greenhouse gas emissions. All while boosting the influence of participant industries of electric scooters, bikes and the like.
e-Scooters for Social Distancing
In adherence to the social distancing guidelines, at least seven cities in the United States. They have temporarily ceased or have restricted access to vehicles on certain thoroughfares. To promote walking or biking in order to decongest the areas. In addition to that, many cities have transiently discontinued issuing parking fees and tickets. Aiming to reduce direct interaction between individuals as much as possible.
As life gradually continues from the momentary setback posed by COVID-19. Numerous questions remain unanswered, and risky long-distance trips are just one of them. Micro Mobility solutions and social distancing are just the beginning of our battle against the notorious pandemic. There are many ways to overcome both current and future obstacles that the virus might pose and all it takes is one step at a time.
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