Advocacy Toolkit


Resources and guidance to help you advocate for shared micromobility.

NABSA’s Advocacy Toolkit serves as a resource and guidance for our members and shared micromobility stakeholders interested in advocating for the expansion of shared micromobility systems in communities. The toolkit contains public documents and exclusive member resources that can aid in speaking about shared micromobility and its benefits to communities with policymakers and key stakeholders, and provides general knowledge that can strengthen advocacy efforts.

In addition to the resources below, we encourage advocates to learn about NABSA’s ongoing advocacy work and priorities.

United States


The passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) in late 2021 marked an important milestone for provisions that NABSA has long advocated for – the first time that shared micromobility as a term has been included in US federal law, shared micromobility eligibility in CMAQ and STBG funding, active transportation infrastructure funding allocations at record levels, and new climate and equity-focused transportation programs were introduced in which shared micromobility can play an important role. The 2022 passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) included eligibility for electric bike and scooter charging in the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit (26 US Code 30C).

Additionally, USDOT released its first National Roadway Safety Strategy to reach zero roadway fatalities in the US and make roads safer for all modes, followed by the FHWA’s Complete Streets Report to Congress, and most recently in January 2023, The U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization was released in which micromobility was included as a tool. These strategy documents should signal to policymakers and government staff at all levels that the current and future transportation playbook must move beyond car-centrism and into a multi-modal paradigm that includes shared micromobility.

Canada


In 2021, Canada released its first National Active Transportation Strategy (AT) and a $400 million dedicated AT Fund. The first application round for the AT Fund was administered and awarded in 2022. During the development of the AT Strategy and AT Fund, NABSA advocated for the inclusion of shared micromobility. In 2022, Canada released the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) in which transportation is a key focus. While shared micromobility has not yet been included in the AT Strategy, ERP, or fully in the AT Fund, these are important opportunities for the inclusion of shared micromobility toward climate, equity, health, active transportation, and other public goals. NABSA continues to advocate for the full inclusion of shared micromobility within these programs and strategies, as well as additional upcoming programs and funds.

Additionally, 2022 marked a big year for e-scooter pilots, programs, and regulations in Canada. While many provinces and municipalities do not generally allow e-scooters in the public right of way, many municipalities have been in stages of exploring and launching scootershare pilots along with regulatory allowances for e-scooters to support the programs.

Funding Resources


United States

Canada

Additional Information for Advocates


This section contains resources that provide foundational knowledge about advocating for the shared micromobility industry.

State of the Industry Report

NABSA’s annual Shared Micromobility State of the Industry Report captures in-depth metrics about shared micromobility across North America that demonstrate the growth, success, and benefits of shared micromobility. The report is a powerful tool that can be utilized and shared by advocates to speak to how shared micromobility is, and can be further, leveraged to help achieve climate, equity, economic, public health, and other public goals.

The report includes:

  • Community benefits, including increased physical activity, positive environmental impacts, and access to jobs
  • Rider demographics
  • Transportation access and equity
  • Trends by vehicle type
  • Operating costs and revenues
  • And much more

Shared Micromoblity Policy Toolkit: Docked and Dockless Bike and Scooter Sharing

This toolkit outlines policies and practices for cities integrating shared micromobility into the built environment.

Member-Only Resources


Below you'll find additional resources available only to NABSA members. You must sign-in to your member account in order to access these items.

Webinar: Federal Shared Micromobility Policy in 2021

NABSA hosted a webinar that allowed attendees to learn about the policy landscapes in the US and Canada in 2021 so far, what NABSA and allied organizations are doing to expand support for shared micromobility, and what you can do to help.

Shared Micromobility Bill Tracker

Currently available for only U.S. legislation, the Shared Micromobility Tracker compiles bills that have the potential to affect shared micromobility.

Webinar: Infrastructure Advocacy

The discussion touched on how some cities are incorporating slow or closed streets into their COVID-19 response, providing expanded, safe spaces for socially distant pedestrian and shared micromobility transportation. We received tips for how shared micromobility operators can join in advocating for improved infrastructure and discussed community engagement’s role in infrastructure advocacy.

Advocacy Category in Knowledge Share

The advocacy category in the Knowledge Share contains resources contains studies, webinars, and conference sessions that may assist with advocacy efforts.