As cities grow and lifestyles become increasingly sedentary, the need for active mobility has never been more critical. Beyond reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions, active mobility offers substantial health benefits, from improving cardiovascular health to enhancing mental well-being.
A study that we conducted in Barcelona provides valuable insights into the physical activity levels of micromobility users. The study assessed daily transport modes and physical activity levels using accelerometers and self-reported data.
Here are the key takeaways:
✅ Micromobility users are generally more active than non-users, with those using shared bikes and e-bikes dedicating around 10% of their daily time to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), compared to only 7% for e-scooter users.
✅ While shared bikes and e-bikes contribute significantly to meeting WHO physical activity guidelines, e-scooters do not provide the same benefits and cannot be classified as active travel.
✅ Interestingly, shared e-bikes showed slightly higher MVPA levels than shared bikes, possibly due to longer distances covered.
✅ The study confirms that transport mode choice plays a crucial role in daily physical activity levels and overall health outcomes.
Policymakers should prioritize bike and e-bike infrastructure over e-scooters to maximize health benefits, as shifts from walking or cycling to e-scooter use may result in a net loss of physical activity.
Investing in active mobility isn’t just about urban planning—it’s about fostering healthier communities and a more sustainable future. Cities need to ensure that transportation policies encourage modes of travel that promote public health.
📖 Citation: Alexandra Bretones Diaz & Oriol Marquet (2023). Riding to health: Investigating the relationship between micromobility use and objective physical activity in Barcelona adults. Journal of Transport & Health, 29, 101588.
