IoT Insights: What’s Next for Micromobility?

Micromobility has emerged as a promising solution as urban populations continue to grow and cities strive for more sustainable transportation options. The implementation of IoT technology has resulted in significant advancements and the opening of new doors for this rapidly expanding industry. 

What are the immediate challenges the micromobility industry is facing?

Companies are navigating a plethora of immediate challenges that necessitate innovative solutions in the ever-changing landscape of micromobility. Profitability is a common issue that many micromobility companies face, according to Mette Østrup Rasmussen , Head of Vehicle & Hardware at Donkey Republic . Despite significant investments in new technology, profitability remains an elusive goal for many industry players. This challenge is exacerbated by the current market uncertainty caused by crises in other countries, such as the recent turmoil at Silicon Valley Bank and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These factors have increased the competition for investment, making it more difficult for businesses to secure the funds needed to sustain and expand their operations.

According to Will Johnson , Senior Vehicle Systems Engineer at Dott , one critical hurdle in the micromobility market is connectivity, which remains a continuous barrier. A reliable and smooth connection is critical for real-time insights and transparent operations, especially on roaming networks. When a connection fails, the ability to troubleshoot remotely and quickly identify and fix issues becomes critical. Overcoming these connectivity difficulties will be critical to realizing the full potential of micromobility, allowing enterprises to provide efficient, dependable, and accessible transportation alternatives.

External shocks have increased market uncertainty, increasing competition for investment and making it more difficult for businesses to get the necessary funds. Nevertheless, connectivity is a constant barrier in the sector, limiting real-time information sharing. Addressing these hurdles is critical to realizing the full potential of micromobility and enabling businesses to provide efficient and dependable transportation solutions for everyone.

The emerging challenge of regulatory compliance.

While micromobility has several advantages, such as reduced congestion, lower emissions, and better accessibility, it also has some drawbacks, notably in terms of regulatory compliance.

The lack of clear and consistent regulations governing micromobility, balancing the need for data sharing to ensure compliance with privacy concerns, and criticism faced due to issues such as sidewalk clutter, reckless riding, and improper parking are some of the key compliance challenges of micromobility.

We discussed compliance with Will Johnson at the Made For IoT Summit, which was held at Onomondo 's headquarters in Copenhagen.

Here's what he shared with us:

What role has IoT played in the expansion of the micromobility industry?

The role of IoT in revolutionizing micromobility becomes evident through insights shared by industry experts. Juri Krasilnikoff , Head of Rider Product at Donkey Republic, underlines the industry's growing reliance on data. Partners are increasingly interested in data-driven insights, and it’s not only for utilization monitoring but also for city planning and infrastructure optimization.

Will Johnson, Senior Vehicle Systems Engineer at Dott, highlights the indispensable nature of IoT in micromobility. With fleet tracking being a critical part of the micromobility industry, IoT plays a critical role in remotely monitoring each vehicle's locations and actions, while also allowing operators to analyze passenger behavior, predict battery replacement requirements for operational efficiency, and even enforce parking restrictions. IoT technology's visibility provides full administration and optimization of micromobility services, delivering a smooth experience for both users and operators.

The industry's growing dependence on data-driven insights has propelled it towards the development of intelligent micromobility systems. As the micromobility environment evolves, the role of IoT in creating a future of connected and optimized mobility experiences remains critical.

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