Urban electric micromobility can help achieve decarbonization goals, improve quality of life, and reduce congestion-related issues. With the rapid spread of electric micromobility vehicles, such as e-bikes and electric scooters, there is a need, from a policy support perspective, to assess the actual sustainability of these options compared to traditional modes of transport (private cars). In this context, this study aims to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of urban micromobility for commuting, using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach, which considers all phases of the life cycle (production and end-of-life of vehicles and batteries, energy source procurement, use phase, and maintenance). The assessment takes into account environmental and economic aspects. In addition to the classic impact categories of an LCA (Environmental Footprint method), indicators are added that, integrated into the LCA modeling path, provide complementary information. These indicators concern the quantification of external costs (from greenhouse gas emissions, macro pollutants and heavy metals, noise, accidents, congestion, and active mobility) of the options considered, the estimation of the cost of raw materials throughout the life cycle (Commodity Life Cycle Cost – CLCC), and finally, the economic viability of the vehicles according to the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approach.
The analysis shows clear environmental and economic advantages of e-bikes and electric scooters for commuting in urban areas. When considering overall external factors, the e-bike performs best, while the scooter is the worst option due to the high contribution of accident-related costs. However, when considering only environmental external costs, e-bikes and scooters are the best-performing vehicles. Regarding economic and environmental performance, the most preferable vehicle for short city trips is the electric scooter, as the e-bike is put at a disadvantage by its high investment cost. This analysis highlights that, in urban settings, micromobility vehicles, particularly those for active mobility, can provide environmental benefits and reduce the economic burden for users commuting within the city.