Back to the Future: Why Micromobility is Rewiring Local Business

In business, everything old is new again—especially if you wait long enough. For the modern independent business owner, "location, location, location" is more than just a catchy phrase—it's a timeless strategy. But now, thanks to an unexpected twist of technological evolution and consumer behavior, we’re finding ourselves circling back to a familiar truth: people-powered commerce is making a comeback.

Let’s rewind a few centuries. Picture a time before electricity lit our shop windows and factory whistles called the masses. In those days, businesses thrived on a simple, highly effective formula—foot traffic. Locals strolled by, popped in, and returned often. Your sandwich board sign and window display were your marketing team. Life was slow, predictable, and very, very local.

Then came the cars. Big ones. Loud ones. Smog-producing beasts that herded shoppers away from main streets and into shiny shopping malls surrounded by seas of parking lots. If your shop didn’t have drive-up access or a nearby parking spot, good luck getting any love from the suburban masses.

But, just like high-waisted jeans and vinyl records, the local shopping vibe is making a roaring comeback—this time on two wheels and an electric battery.

Enter the era of micromobility.

Think e-scooters, e-bikes, pedal-assist cycles, and other compact, zippy, eco-friendly forms of getting from A to B. They're fast, fun, and, let’s be honest, way cooler than a minivan. And the numbers? They're not just promising—they’re electrifying. According to a recent McKinsey report, the micromobility market is projected to more than double from $160 billion in 2022 to $340 billion by 2030.

Even better? People aren’t just curious about ditching their cars—they’re ready to commit. Consumers are actively looking for cleaner, cheaper, and more convenient ways to get around, and micromobility ticks all the boxes.

So, what does this mean for the small business owner? Opportunity—with a capital "O."

Just as businesses once adapted to the car-centric world of suburbia, today's smart entrepreneurs are getting ready to welcome a new generation of mobile customers—those who ride in on two wheels, not four.

Here are a few forward-thinking ideas to consider when looking for a location or doing a stocktake of your current locale:

• Assess Current Scooter and E-Bike Parking: If they can't park it, they can't shop. Simple as that. A well-placed rack or charging station could be the difference between a pit stop and a pass-by. What is available in the area?

• Know Your Council’s Game Plan: Is your local government micromobility-friendly? Are they planning bike lanes, shared mobility hubs, or major roadworks that might affect traffic flow? Stay informed—these factors could reshape how customers reach your front door.

• Support Local Infrastructure Initiatives: Partner with local businesses and city planners to advocate for dedicated micromobility paths and slow-speed zones. The more accessible your area, the more foot (and wheel) traffic you’ll attract.

• Think Mobile-First Marketing: These aren’t your 1990s mall-goers. Today’s shoppers are digitally savvy and always connected. Use location-based promotions, QR codes, and in-app deals to grab their attention as they zip by.

We’re not saying ditch your car just yet (unless you really want to). But the smart money says the next big wave of loyal customers might be rolling up on a battery-powered ride, looking for local gems, quick service, and a reason to stop.

So, dust off that sandwich board, get cozy with your local traffic planner, and start thinking about how your business can tap into the micromobility boom. The future is on the move—and it's coming straight to your doorstep.