personaletransport

Personaletransport refers to modes of travel used by individuals to move across short to medium distances, typically within urban or peri-urban areas. It includes walking, cycling, and motorized or electric devices and vehicles owned and used by a single person.

Common forms of personaletransport include walking, bicycling, motor scooters, electric scooters (e-scooters), electric bikes (e-bikes), skateboards and hoverboards, and passenger cars and motorcycles. Mobility aids such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters also fall under personaletransport for individuals with limited mobility.

Historically, walking and animal-powered transport dominated. The bicycle in the 19th century enabled faster personal travel. The 20th century saw mass motorization with cars and motorcycles. In recent years, micro-mobility devices and light electric vehicles have expanded options for short trips, especially in cities.

Technology and design advances include electric propulsion, lightweight materials, regenerative braking, and integrated safety systems. Urban design emphasizes safe infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as parking and charging facilities for personaletransport devices.

Environmental and social aspects of personaletransport include effects on energy use, emissions, land use, and traffic patterns. Efficient systems aim to reduce congestion and air pollution while ensuring accessibility for all users.

Regulation and policy for personaletransport vary by jurisdiction but commonly address speed limits, use of sidewalks, helmet requirements, licensing, insurance, and vehicle classification. Many policies promote multimodal networks and first-/last-mile connections to public transit.