Source: Leverage Research

Municipalities across the Netherlands are increasingly exploring light electric vehicles (LEVs) as a component of shared mobility strategies. However, ensuring a stable, reliable, and long-term shared mobility offering remains a significant challenge.

According to Klaas-Jan Gräfe, Program Manager for Smart and Clean Travel at the Green Metropolitan Region Arnhem–Nijmegen, the issue lies not in ambition, but in market maturity and coordination. He spoke to Leverage, a practice-oriented research project focused on LEVs, about the issues faced.

The Green Metropolitan Region Arnhem–Nijmegen is a collaboration of 17 municipalities, including the cities of Arnhem and Nijmegen and fifteen surrounding municipalities. The organisation supports local governments by developing and sharing knowledge, facilitating cooperation, and strengthening the region’s positioning in policy areas such as mobility, the economy, circularity, and recreation.

Interest in shared LEVs (such as electric scooters and cargo bikes) is growing among municipalities in the region. Several pilots and permit schemes have already been launched, yet many have struggled to achieve sufficient uptake or long-term continuity. Shared mobility, Gräfe explains, is still a young and fast-evolving sector. Some providers are reluctant to enter smaller or short-term contracts, preferring larger-scale and longer-duration agreements. As a result, municipalities face difficulties attracting and retaining operators.

Exploring the integration of shared mobility with public transportation

To address this, the Green Metropolitan Region is currently assessing the added value of shared mobility within the regional transport system. An external research agency is examining how shared mobility can complement existing public transport. One scenario under consideration involves deploying buses more frequently on main routes, while transforming local bus stops into mobility hubs. From these hubs, travellers could use shared scooters to complete the first or last mile, potentially making public transport faster and more attractive. Similar concepts are being explored for park-and-ride locations on the outskirts of cities.

Could municipalities jointly issue a single tender for shared mobility?

It is also being investigated whether municipalities could jointly issue a single tender for shared mobility services. This approach could be viewed as better aligning public-sector needs with market expectations and fostering longer-term public-private partnerships. A dedicated meeting between municipalities and shared mobility providers is scheduled for January 30, 2026, to explore this option further.

Developing carefully designed mobility hubs

Another key focus is the development of well-designed mobility hubs. Shared scooters and bikes often suffer from a negative public image due to improper parking and street clutter. By designating safe and logical parking locations, municipalities aim to improve safety, usability, and public acceptance. Leverage participants are expected to play a role in helping identify suitable hub locations where shared LEVs can genuinely add value to existing transport networks.

National coordination

Gräfe also stresses the importance of coordination at the national level. Reflecting on the relationship between shared mobility initiatives and LEVs, he states:

“Yes, I think so. Because many municipalities are using LVEs for shared mobility, it’s important that Leverage aligns its own initiatives with those of the national program ‘Natural Shared Mobility’. Research is also being conducted there. To avoid duplicating efforts, it’s good to establish contact there and coordinate.”

As municipalities continue to experiment with shared mobility, collaboration at both regional and national levels appears to be essential in creating reliable, scalable solutions that meet public needs and market realities alike.