The Solution

Geofencing for micromobility

Mobility

Urban Planning

Geofencing for micromobility

Geofencing describes the use of geodata to determine whether an object is inside or outside a previously defined geographical area. As soon as a vehicle moves outside this "fence," for example, software can respond with certain measures.

Geofencing can be used to limit the use of vehicles to a specific area. Either by automatically shutting off vehicles when they leave a fenced area or by preventing them from being parked outside designated areas (thus stopping users from logging off until the vehicle is properly parked). This same technology can be used to limit vehicles’ speed.

In this way, safety for road users can be increased. In addition, other problems such as illegal parking on sidewalks and bike lanes can be avoided. The implementation of zones where vehicles cannot be parked has already begun in some German cities.

Sustainability check: How do geofancing solutions help?

The widespread implementation of these rules leads to greater acceptance of rental vehicles and thus to less vandalism, destruction and litter.
The rules are monitored across the board, cost-effectively and quickly through automation - without the need for law enforcement or other public officials to deal with the issue.
Greater acceptance leads to greater use of the (rental) vehicles.
So-called "hot spots" - zones where problems accumulate - can be defused by means of geofencing.

Requirements: What is needed for a geofencing solution?

Coordination of data exchange and implementation with private service providers.
Clear rules and regulations for the use of micromobility vehicles.
GPS or RFID-enabled software to define geofences.
Server capacity for data storage and processing.
Data platform where data from different sources converge and are stored for further use.
Possibility of a dashboard that simplifies data analysis.

Our Raiting:

While geofencing is already used in other countries, it is not yet permitted in Germany by the Federal Ministry of Transport and the Federal Motor Transportation Authority. The reason given is that geofencing creates massive interference in road traffic.

On the other hand, the delimitation of zones that regulate vehicle parking is already widespread and makes a lot of sense, especially in hotspots. However, this must be supplemented with a clear designation of parking areas and a fair division of public space.

Which SDGS are addressed?

In order to create globally sustainable structures, the member states of the United Nations have set themselves 17 goals by 2030, which are set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.