The Future of Micromobility: How Shared Mobility Is Changing Urban Transport

How is micromobility changing the way people move around cities, and what needs to happen for shared mobility to become a more integrated part of urban transport?

In Episode 5 of Auto Futurecast Season 2, Chris Kirby is joined by Caroline Seton, Co-Founder & Director at Forest, to explore the growth of shared mobility, the realities of operating a shared bike fleet, and the infrastructure and policy challenges shaping the future of urban transport.

From fleet management and parking to public transport integration, regulation and the use of kerbside space, Caroline shares a practical perspective on what it takes to make micromobility work at scale.

Key Takeaways

• How shared mobility and micromobility are becoming part of the wider urban transport ecosystem.
• Why effective fleet management, maintenance and technology are essential to running shared mobility services.
• The challenges created by different parking rules, infrastructure and policies across London boroughs.
• Why kerbside and public space allocation will become increasingly important as active travel grows.
• How better integration between micromobility and public transport can create a more connected transport system.
• The role of regulation, safety and collaboration in supporting the next phase of shared mobility.
• What cities and mobility operators need to consider as micromobility continues to evolve.

What You'll Learn

Throughout the conversation, Caroline shares insights from Forest's experience operating shared bikes across London and discusses some of the practical challenges facing the micromobility industry.

How does shared mobility fit into the wider urban transport system?

What does it take to manage a shared bike fleet efficiently across a major city?

Why are parking and kerbside space becoming such important issues for micromobility?

How can shared bikes and other micromobility services integrate more effectively with trains, the Tube and other forms of public transport?

Are current transport policies and regulations keeping pace with the growth of micromobility?

And what could the future of shared mobility look like as cities continue to rethink how public space is used?

Drawing on her experience at Forest, Caroline offers a practical perspective on the opportunities and challenges involved in building a more connected urban mobility ecosystem.

Whether you're working in automotive, mobility, transport policy, infrastructure, fleet management or urban planning, this episode provides valuable insight into the forces shaping the future of shared mobility and urban transport.

🎙️ Watch the full episode and join the conversation.

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