Throttle or Thwart? The effect of local policy regulations on micromobility demand – A Difference-in-Differences approach

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of local micromobility regulations on service demand in German cities. Using robust Difference-in-Differences (DiD) analyses we analyze the impact of two different policy regulations 30 days before and after their implementation. Our findings suggest that fleet size caps significantly reduce total trips without affecting average utilization, while parking zone policies have no measurable impact on either metric. These results highlight the trade-offs between supply-side restrictions and operational rules, offering actionable insights for urban mobility governance. The study underscores the importance of balancing regulatory measures to address public concerns without stifling micromobility’s benefits. Future research could explore long-term impacts, user adaptation, and environmental outcomes to further inform policy design.