In the midst of war, Ukraine is seeing an unexpected opportunity to revolutionize its urban transportation systems, with micromobility emerging as a potential game-changer. A recent study published in the *European Transport Research Review* (translated from Ukrainian as “European Transport Research Review”) explores how the disruption caused by the conflict could pave the way for a more sustainable, active mobility future. The research, led by Mariia Olkhova from the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering at Loughborough University, delves into the challenges and prospects of micromobility in Ukraine, offering valuable insights for stakeholders in the energy and transportation sectors.
The study, which involved semi-structured interviews with micromobility stakeholders across 16 administrative divisions in Ukraine, reveals a complex landscape of opportunities and obstacles. “The war has disrupted traditional transportation systems, creating a unique window of opportunity to rethink urban mobility,” Olkhova explains. “There’s a growing recognition that micromobility—encompassing cycling, e-scooters, and other small, lightweight vehicles—can play a crucial role in rebuilding Ukraine’s cities in a more sustainable and resilient way.”
One of the key findings is the positive correlation between the strength of collaboration among city stakeholders and the adoption of micromobility. “Where stakeholders are working together effectively, we see more progress in infrastructure development and greater acceptance of micromobility solutions,” Olkhova notes. This collaboration is not just about building bike lanes or e-scooter charging stations; it’s about fostering a cultural shift towards active mobility.
The research also highlights regional differences in micromobility adoption, with some areas showing more promise than others. “In cities like Kyiv and Lviv, there’s already a strong cycling culture and better infrastructure, which makes it easier to integrate micromobility solutions,” Olkhova says. “In other regions, there’s more work to be done, but the potential is there.”
For the energy sector, the rise of micromobility presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, the increased use of e-scooters and other electric micromobility devices could drive demand for energy storage and charging solutions. On the other hand, the shift towards active mobility could reduce overall energy consumption, potentially impacting traditional fuel markets.
The study’s interviewees express optimism for the future of micromobility in Ukraine, with estimates suggesting a 10–30% long-term adoption rate, potentially rising to 50% by 2050. “Despite the current challenges, there’s a real sense of optimism among stakeholders,” Olkhova says. “They see micromobility as a key part of Ukraine’s sustainable future.”
As Ukraine looks to rebuild and recover, the insights from this research could shape the development of urban transportation systems, not just in Ukraine but around the world. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and investing in infrastructure, cities can create more sustainable, resilient, and affordable mobility solutions. For the energy sector, this shift presents a unique opportunity to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of urban populations. As Olkhova puts it, “The future of micromobility is not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about building a better, more sustainable world.”