We are happy to announce the launch of Shared Electric Micromobility Canada (SEM-Can), a new, multi-institutional research partnership funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). Led by Dr. Raktim Mitra of Toronto Metropolitan University, SEM-Can brings together researchers, municipalities, transit agencies, and shared micromobility companies to explore how shared e-bikes and e-scooters can enhance transportation options in Canada’s smaller and suburban communities.
Why Shared Micromobility Matters
Many suburban municipalities across Canada face limited public transit options, leaving residents with few alternatives to private cars. Shared micromobility (including e-bikes and e-scooters) offers a promising solution for short-distance trips and first-/last-mile connections to transit stations. Yet, most of the research and data guiding micromobility policy has focused on large urban centres, leaving important questions unanswered about how these systems perform in smaller or more dispersed communities.
SEM-Can aims to fill that gap by generating new data, research, and insights to help local governments and service providers design more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive transportation systems.
Building a National Community of Practice
The SEM-Can platform will compile and share open Canadian evidence on shared e-micromobility use, performance, and impacts, from ridership trends to equity considerations. Our team will collaborate with partners to:
-
Assess barriers and opportunities to shared micromobility in suburban and small-city contexts;
-
Explore design principles for integrating micromobility with commuter transit stations;
-
Develop a community of practice where municipalities and providers can exchange lessons and best practices;
-
Advance transportation equity, focusing on access for equity-denied populations.
The Partnership
The partnership includes researchers and students from:
-
Toronto Metropolitan University – Raktim Mitra
-
McGill University – Grant McKenzie and Kevin Manaugh
-
Simon Fraser University – Meghan Winters
-
University of Alberta – Emily Grise
Student contributors include Brandon Truong, Lucas La Marca (TMU), and Platial Lab Member Jenny Zhu (McGill).
The project’s institutional and municipal partners span the public and private sectors, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable and equitable transportation innovation.
Looking Ahead
Over the next three years, SEM-Can will publish open data, research reports, and practical guidance to inform municipal policy and planning. The partnership will also host events and share case studies on how shared micromobility can thrive in suburban environments.
Stay tuned for updates on reports and data releases through the project website: sharedmicromobility.ca