InclusiveMicroMob: designing a new urban model through Genny 3.0 in Lugano

Abstract

As urban populations grow, cities face the challenge of ensuring efficient, sustainable, and inclusive transportation systems. InclusiveMicroMob investigates the role of micro-mobility, specifically shared transportation options and the participatory process they can trigger, in fostering inclusive and sustainable urban mobility within the context of Lugano in Switzerland. The study explores how micromobility initiatives can address diverse community needs, improve accessibility, and contribute to new urban models, analyzing potential conflicts and synergies with other systems and from a transformational perspective toward the "15-minute city."  

An interdisciplinary team of SUPSI researchers leads the project with the participation of some key players in local and national mobility policies. The project takes place thanks to the participation of the Municipality through Lugano Living Lab and the Swiss innovation company Genny Factory SA, which will supply and monitor the prototypes. The project is financed by the Federal Office for Development (ARE).  

InclusiveMicroMob promotes a new inclusive and sustainable multimodal mobility offer. The project introduces the Genny 3.0 prototype, a new self-balancing vehicle, no longer intended exclusively for disabled people, a replacement for individual internal combustion vehicles for all citizens. It is the first inclusive and sustainable multimodal micromobility tool, which provides support information for the understanding and management of urban dynamics, thanks to data collection, from a smart city perspective.  

The city of Lugano constitutes a compelling case study thanks to its unique blend of historical charm and modern dynamism, combined with a commitment to sustainable development. This research uses a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews, quantitative data analysis, and testing to comprehensively evaluate the impact of micromobility initiatives on the city's mobility.  

The first section of the research examines the current state of urban mobility in Lugano, considering the existing challenges and opportunities. Through interviews with municipal officials, urban key actors, urban planners and micromobility providers, the study explores the motivations behind adopting the current policy and any concerns or resistance encountered for a new mobility policy.  

It also examines the city's transportation infrastructure and public transportation systems to identify potential synergies, conflicts and gaps in accessibility, where micromobility tools can play a crucial role.   

Subsequently, the research delves into the adoption of Genny 3.0 in Lugano. InclusiveMicroMob includes two main activities. Qualitative analyses with different actors to investigate the challenges and Genny's perception. On the other hand, urban tests aimed at analyzing current opportunities and critical issues regarding public space dimension, public transport management, and conflicts with other systems, identifying challenges for the future.  

A central focus of the research is inclusiveness and the idea of a participatory process, evaluating how micromobility initiatives meet the different needs of the population of Lugano. It includes accessibility considerations for people with disabilities, affordability for various income groups, and the impact on different demographic segments.  

The research also evaluates the environmental sustainability aspects of adopting micromobility in Lugano, analyzes the reduction of carbon emissions, integrates with existing public transport, and examines the overall ecological impact of shared transport options. Through this analysis, the study seeks to provide insights into how cities can leverage micromobility to achieve their environmental sustainability goals.  

In conclusion, the study aims to propose recommendations to optimize inclusiveness in future urban mobility planning in Switzerland. InclusiveMicroMob comprehensively examines the intersection between micro-mobility, inclusivity, and urban planning in Lugano. The study provides a nuanced understanding of how shared transportation options contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable urban mobility landscape. The findings and recommendations derived from this research can serve as a valuable resource for city planners, policymakers, and micro-mobility providers looking to enhance urban mobility in a efficient and equitable way.