Using a Mixed-method Approach to Identify Urban Mobility Needs for the Development of Micromobility Solutions

Abstract

Micromobiles provide a sustainable and space-saving alternative for mobility in urban areas. Although the global market potential for micromobility products is estimated at 400–500 billion USD in 2030, micromobility concepts are only occasionally finding their way into everyday urban life. It is therefore questionable, if the currently existing products meet the requirements of an urban society. To ensure that products are clearly customer-focused, situational customer needs analyses form the basis for decisions about product features and technical solutions. Therefore, a mixed methods approach adapted to the requirements of urban mobility will be used to identify the basic needs of potential urban mobility customers using the example of Germany. This mixed approach combines qualitative and quantitative research. Specifically, experts and potential customers of micromobiles are interviewed qualitatively and the derived results are validated and prioritised in two quantitative studies. The generated data forms a basis for the subsequent steering of the technical solution finding.

Authors 5

1. Michael Riesener Aachen Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL)

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   WZL of RWTH Aachen University,Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering,Aachen,Germany

   Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering, WZL of RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

2. Maximilian Kühn Aachen Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL)

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   WZL of RWTH Aachen University,Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering,Aachen,Germany

   Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering, WZL of RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

3. Sebastian Hagedorn Aachen Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components of RWTH Aachen University,Aachen,Germany

   Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components of RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

4. F. Stracke

   Rheinmetall (Germany)

   Affiliation as printed

   Rheinmetall AG,Neuss,Germany

   Rheinmetall AG, Neuss, Germany

5. Günther Schuh Aachen Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL)

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   WZL of RWTH Aachen University,Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering,Aachen,Germany

   Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering, WZL of RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany