The Governance and Integration Working Group held a meeting on 31 March 2025, responding to a request from the City of Aarhus for guidance on safety issues surrounding car sharing. 

Shared mobility plays a significant role in creating efficient, accessible, and sustainable transport systems. It provides flexible and affordable solutions, especially in low-density areas and during off-peak hours. Despite its clear benefits, the challenge remains: How can shared mobility services be successfully implemented, scaled, and integrated into existing transport systems?

Shared micromobility: Regulatory considerations and practical challenges

The first part of the meeting was dedicated to shared micromobility, particularly examining how regulations impact the sector. Shared mobility professionals, including operators and public authorities, are responsible for implementing and enforcing these regulations. Understanding the daily realities and constraints they face is essential for developing practical, enforceable rules. 

The meeting presented the newly published POLIS report, 'Careful what you wish for: Practical implications of rules and requirements for shared micromobility', which examines the realities of regulating shared e-scooters, e-bikes, and e-mopeds in European cities. Based on expert discussions with local authorities and operators, the report highlights how well-intended rules can lead to unexpected challenges in implementation and enforcement. It covered recurrent regulatory issues, such as speed limits, parking regulations, and helmet requirements in detail, highlighting how they impact both the operators and users of shared micromobility services.

Natalia Ciciarello from the City of Paris raised the concern that there are insufficient consequences for users of micromobility services who violate regulations. Miguel Gaspar from Lisbon compared this issue to car rentals, where users are easily traceable and fined for violations like speeding. He noted that the same system does not apply to shared scooters, where fines often do not reach users, even in cases of improper parking.

The discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring that regulations are not only clear but also enforceable and that there are adequate consequences for violations to improve compliance and safety.

Insights from Île-de-France’s carpooling programme

The second part of the meeting addressed carpooling. This session began with a presentation on the basics of carpooling: what it is, how it works, and its role in the broader transport ecosystem. Île-de-France shared their experiences with carpooling, noting that 16 million daily trips are made via carpooling in the region. The regional transport authority is actively working to expand the service further. Their carpooling programme, which operates with four approved operators, offers a combination of direct incentives for users, operator commissions, and support for the development of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platforms. Île-de-France has seen a high number of carpooling trips, particularly in the last four months of the year, which are the most popular months for carpooling.

The region is planning two new public contracts for carpooling services. The first contract involves a planned carpooling service set to launch by the end of 2025 or early 2026. This service will include a driver/passenger matching app and pre-planned meeting points for passengers. The second contract involves spontaneous carpooling, which will begin in April 2025. This service will include physical stop points, variable message panels, and a live driver/passenger matching app without pre-planning. Both services will operate under the Île-de-France Mobilités (IDFM) brand, allowing for easier data aggregation and a unified visual identity across the region’s carpooling services.

Carpooling: Integration and safety concerns

Aarhus followed with its own case study, raising a crucial question: how can carpooling be safely integrated into the public transport system? They highlighted several safety concerns, in particular the risk of power imbalances when passengers have limited mobility alternatives. Vulnerable groups such as children, women, the elderly or people in dependent situations may be at higher risk. Other challenges include a lack of control over the driver's behaviour, disagreements over the rules of the car, or simply the discomfort of travelling with strangers.

These considerations led to an open discussion: What are the responsibilities of local governments in supporting such services? What risks need to be considered - and how can they be managed?

Participants shared ideas, examples and perspectives. The discussion also raised broader questions - in particular, how we can ensure that women feel safe using these services. It was mentioned that it is not enough to simply brainstorm everything that could go wrong. While it is important to acknowledge risk, it is even more important to manage it. This means distinguishing between probability and severity, considering both primary risks to users and secondary risks to public authorities (such as legal or reputational damage), and paying attention to the specific physical and social context in which carpooling takes place. Reducing anonymity, improving traceability and building in safeguards are among the strategies that cities can consider.

Conclusion

The meeting successfully addressed the challenges and practicalities of implementing shared mobility solutions, with a particular focus on safety in carpooling services. The insights from Aarhus and Île-de-France provided valuable perspectives on how to manage these services effectively while ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers.

The discussion highlighted the importance of managing risks proactively and considering both regulatory and practical solutions to ensure the success of shared mobility services. POLIS remains committed to supporting cities facing similar challenges, offering a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among members.

If your city faces similar challenges or questions, POLIS is available to offer guidance and facilitate further discussions. Whether you are looking for practical experience, advice from your peers, or just want to explore ideas, do not hesitate to get in touch.