Ensuring Accessibility for All in Ride-Hailing, Bike Shares, and Other Transportation Options

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Shared mobility is good for the environment, but not equal opportunity. What can be done to make travel easier for everyone?

Kaja Šeruga, Knowable Magazine

April 22, 2025 8:30 a.m.

In bustling cities across Europe and the United States, the presence of shared mobility options like e-scooters, bicycles, and ride-sharing services paints a picture of easy access to transportation. For many, a smartphone serves as a gateway to these services, making travel feel seamless and affordable. However, this apparent accessibility masks significant barriers faced by marginalized groups, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and those living in economically disadvantaged areas.

Despite the rapid proliferation of shared mobility services, these options are predominantly concentrated in wealthier neighborhoods, often leaving behind those who create high demand for equitable transportation. Research indicates that usage is skewed toward younger, affluent, able-bodied, white males, thus perpetuating systemic inequality in access to these essential services.

Integrating shared mobility into a sustainable transportation framework presents promising possibilities for urban centers. Experts emphasize that for shared mobility to be most effective, it must become an inclusive feature of the transportation landscape. Although mainstream providers have struggled to address these inequalities, innovative projects are emerging to fill the void.

The effectiveness of on-demand shared mobility is underscored by studies that show significant potential for reducing traffic congestion and lowering emissions. According to Luis Martinez, a lead modeler at the International Transport Forum, a well-structured shared mobility system could decrease vehicle use by as much as 90% and cut carbon emissions by half, provided it replaces private car usage rather than merely adding to it.

Nevertheless, achieving such ambitious goals is challenging, especially in regions where private vehicle usage remains the norm. Data reveals that in the Global North, individuals utilize private cars for over 60% of their travel, indicating a significant challenge in transitioning to shared alternatives. Expanding access to shared services to encompass a broader segment of the population is critical to tapping into the full potential for reducing reliance on personal vehicles.

A 2019 analysis of ten metropolitan areas in the United States highlights stark discrepancies in access to shared mobility services. Findings show that white residents enjoy three times more car-share and nearly twice as many bike-share stations in their vicinity compared to their African American counterparts. Furthermore, the wait time for rideshare services can be disproportionately longer for people of color.

Efforts to extend service availability to underserved neighborhoods face barriers beyond geographic distribution. A significant number of low-income Americans lack smartphones and bank accounts, both of which are generally necessary to access these services. Additionally, research indicates that while many lower-income individuals express interest in bike-sharing, their actual participation is markedly lower than that of higher-income groups. Barriers such as cost, unfamiliarity with the systems, and limited outreach contribute to these discrepancies.

Solutions to bridge this accessibility gap are emerging. Public agencies have taken the initiative to implement subsidy programs aimed at low-income residents, successfully increasing shared service usage and decreasing dependency on personal vehicles. A recent survey revealed that 70% of bike- and e-scooter-share programs in the U.S. have introduced measures aimed at connecting with underserved communities, including cash payment options and services for users without smartphones.

Nongovernmental organizations also play a vital role in enhancing access. One notable initiative is the Shared Mobility Incorporated program in Buffalo, which repurposed a fleet of 3,000 electric bikes after Uber exited the bike-sharing business. This initiative leads to the establishment of e-bike libraries in underserved areas, allowing free access to bicycles while hosting community events that promote cycling safety and culture.

In Belgium, the Mobitwin service addresses the transportation needs of elderly citizens, offering rides arranged by volunteers for a small fee. The program, which has existed since the 1980s, focuses on combating social isolation by providing older adults with the ability to engage in everyday activities. Maintaining a personal touch through phone bookings, rather than transitioning solely to digital platforms, respects the social dynamics of its users while ensuring their transportation needs are met.

In Austria, the car-sharing service Tim has adapted its offerings to foster inclusivity. By including child safety seats and providing multiple booking methods, the service acknowledges the varied needs of its user base, particularly women. Recognizing the differences in mobility patterns between men and women, initiatives that adjust service parameters can alleviate the complexities faced by caregivers, ultimately making shared transportation solutions more appealing.

Innovative approaches such as station-based car-sharing enhance predictability and reliability for users, particularly those needing to coordinate multiple errands. This model complements public transport while promoting a shift away from individual car ownership, aligning with broader sustainability goals. As city leaders strive to reduce the prevalence of private cars, the development of shared mobility options must prioritize accessibility and equity for all community members.

Knowable Magazine is an independent journalistic endeavor from Annual Reviews.

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www.smithsonianmag.com