Why data and KPIs are becoming central to micromobility regulation
Cities are placing greater emphasis on data-driven oversight as shared micromobility becomes a more established part of the urban transport system. Local authorities are increasingly seeking tools that help them manage fleet operations, ensure compliance and strengthen integration with wider mobility networks. Central to this shift is the development of clear management frameworks that combine regulation, data-sharing agreements and transparent operational expectations. These frameworks allow cities to monitor vehicle availability, maintain safe public spaces and ensure that services support broader transport goals, from reducing congestion to improving first- and last-mile connectivity.
High-quality data is becoming especially important for aligning micromobility with planning priorities. Cities are using live and historic data to identify usage patterns, understand where infrastructure should be expanded and determine how well services are reaching different neighbourhoods. Clear digital rules — such as geofenced parking areas and defined service zones — are also emerging as essential tools for balancing operational freedom with public accountability.
Insights from the Shared Micromobility Alliance
These findings, published in a new, free Shared Micromobility Alliance whitepaper based on guidance from experts in Düsseldorf and Antwerp, outline how cities can use international data standards and KPIs to strengthen governance. The document highlights the role of dashboards in consolidating information from operators, transport agencies and external sources such as weather or event data, helping cities respond to issues such as fleet imbalance, recurring parking problems or fluctuating demand in real time. It also explains how open standards such as the General Bikeshare Feed Specification (GBFS) and the Mobility Data Specification (MDS) are becoming foundational for modern micromobility management by ensuring consistent, interoperable data exchange.
The whitepaper sets out examples of KPIs that help cities evaluate performance — from fleet availability and station occupancy to safety metrics and emissions avoided — and shows how these indicators can guide investment decisions, operational adjustments and long-term planning.
Supporting better decision-making
As the report argues, cities that adopt structured digital oversight gain clearer visibility into how services are performing and where targeted interventions may be needed. By combining standards-based data flows with well-designed dashboards and KPIs, municipalities can move from reactive oversight to proactive, goal-driven management. This approach supports more predictable regulation, strengthens public trust and helps ensure that shared micromobility contributes to wider sustainability and accessibility objectives.
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The whitepaper ‘How to use data and key performance indicators to manage shared micromobility’ is now available for free here.
Photo: Mykola Pokhodzhay | Dreamstime.com