Top Emerging Micromobility Trends for 2022

Consumers continue to show strong demand for micromobility vehicles due to their relatively low cost, clean operation, flexibility, and convenience. As cars once again clog city streets and public transit struggles to return to pre-pandemic levels, micromobility is poised to continue its strong growth into 2022. Guidehouse Insights expects the following key micromobility trends for the coming year.   

Consumers Want More Partially and Fully Enclosed Form Factors

Following the trend of more advanced two- and three-wheeler markets in Asia (e.g., China), micromobility vehicles are increasingly being used for commuting in North America. According to a recent survey, 60% of US consumers are willing to use micromobility for their daily commute (including bicycles and seated and kick scooters—traditional or electric). However, rain and snow can present challenges for daily micromobility use. As a result, several companies are developing closed-roof form factors to protect riders from the outside elements. Products range from full propulsion options—such as Arcimoto’s partially enclosed three-wheeler and Nimbus’ Halo, a fully enclosed and self-balancing three-wheeler—to e-bikes—such as Podbike’s fully enclosed Frikar four-wheeler and Veemo’s partially enclosed SE three-wheeler. These vehicles are either already shipping or expected to begin shipping in 2022. 

Electric Powersports Arrive

The electrification of the powersports industry is significantly trailing most on-road micromobility segments. Nevertheless, momentum is building behind electric all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), off-road motorcycles, and snowmobiles, largely due to reduced noise levels for stealth operations and the increased torque, power, and acceleration capabilities associated with electric powertrains. Some key developments that set the stage for 2022 include the following: 

• Canadian powersports firm Bombardier Recreational Products announced in March 2021 that it will spend $300 million to develop EVs across all its product lines over the next 5 years. The company leads the global snowmobile market, accounting for over half of global sales.

• In September 2021, Tesla applied for a new trademark for its Cyberquad electric ATV. The Cyberquad is expected to be available as an optional accessory for the Tesla Cybertruck and comes with a similarly angled design. 

• Powersports giant Polaris launched its RANGER XP Kinetic e-UTV in December 2021. The electric UTV delivers 110 HP and 140 lb-ft of torque—2 times more torque than any other utility side-by-side on the market, according to Polaris. Polaris’ goal is to have an electric option within all core vehicle segments by 2025.

Evolving Parking, Charging, and Connected and Intelligent Solutions

As the market for micromobility continues to mature, Guidehouse Insights expects a growing business opportunity for parking and charging these vehicles. The popularity of smart charging hubs from companies such as KUHMUTE and Swiftmile is likely to increase in 2022 because these systems enable a variety of personal and shared micromobility form factors to park and charge in centralized locations. Additional solutions are emerging, including one from New York City-based Oonee; the company’s smart, modular pods are designed to provide 10 secure bike parking spaces (in place of one car) in the Big Apple.

In terms of connectivity and vehicle intelligence, virtually every scooter sharing company is developing geofencing technologies to keep e-kick scooters off sidewalks and slow them down in pedestrian-heavy zones. Companies such as Bird (in partnership with u-blox) are adding advanced driver assistance systems with GPS sensors layered with real-time kinematics and sensor fusion for sidewalk detection. These solutions are expected to be in high demand for operators that are looking to differentiate their products by offering safer micromobility sharing services to cities. 

Lastly, Guidehouse Insights expects an uptick in micromobility device intelligence. In 2022, consumers can expect more mobile app services that offer features such as built-in GPS, keyless locks, navigation, USB charging, tracking of trips and fitness goals, battery power monitoring, and charging station location data.