Source: Mobiel 21

Sustainable mobility organisation Mobiel 21 was commissioned by the City of Leuven, Belgium, to analyse the barriers which people face in accessing mobility options such as shared bicycles, and to prepare a set of recommendations for dismantling those barriers.

Shared mobility is gaining popularity in the Flanders region, with bicycles, cargo bikes and scooters among the vehicles available, however research has shown that accessibility could be improved. Those on lower incomes, the elderly and residents from migrant background communities use shared mobility less. Mobiel 21 highlights that shared mobility can act as a useful tool particularly for such vulnerable groups, providing access to a means of transport to work, school and other daily activities, without the high costs associated with purchasing, insurance, and maintenance.

Launch of the Leuven pilot project

The City of Leuven set up a pilot project, in collaboration with Mobiel 21 and shared transport providers VELO vzw and Cambio, with the aim of better understanding existing barriers residents experience in accessing shared mobility options. Between March 2024 and March 2025, temporary shared transport points were set up in three Leuven community centres, which actively serve neighbourhoods that are home to people in vulnerable groups.

Residents were able to use a mix of shared mobility transport modes for a period of four months at each of the community centres – traditional bikes, electric bikes, electric cargo bikes, and a car. Participation was free of charge, in an effort to make the project as accessible as possible.

Research during the project consisted of interviews with participants, and a focus group with community workers based at the three centres. The interviews explored with participants any barriers they experienced when using the shared vehicles, and their thoughts on shared mobility as a solution to their needs. The focus group discussed shared mobility, inclusion and mobility poverty. The community workers forming the focus group were the first point of contact for the project’s participants, assisting with registration and sign-ups with the sharing scheme providers, and gaining insights into local residents’ mobility needs.

Identified barriers

A range of barriers which can influence the use of shared mobility were identified by the research. With the pilot project being free of charge for participants, other factors than financial were highlighted:

• Knowledge: Many residents did not really know what shared mobility entails.
• Digital and practical skills: Using an app, or riding an electric bicycle or cargo bike does not come naturally to everyone.
• How the sharing system works: Registration and making reservations can cause stress.
• The sharing mindset: The contrast between “owning” to “shared-use” takes some getting used to.
• Location and design of the sharing point: Proximity and recognisability of sharing points are crucial to attract users.
• Cost: Even if rides are affordable, many people still feel financial stress, such as high entry fees, or a fear of fines.

Recommendations for inclusive shared mobility

Mobiel 21 drew up seven distinct recommendations which can act as a reference point to policymakers and shared mobility service providers in making shared schemes better tailored to the real-world requirements of vulnerable communities:

• Communicate broadly, in clear language
• Focus on personal guidance
• Arrange practice sessions with the vehicles
• Choose a familiar location and an offer tailored to the neighborhood
• Simplify the registration process
• Provide alternative methods to digital access
• Ensure an affordable and balanced pricing model

Based on the research results, the interviews, and the focus groups with the community workers, general recommendations can be made to make shared mobility more inclusive and better tailored to the wishes and needs of vulnerable population groups.

The Insight document prepared by Mobiel 21 on the project can be downloaded here, in Dutch.