The phrase “tragedy of the commons” might bring to mind images of overgrazed fields or polluted rivers, but the concept has a fresh and urban twist in modern cities.
Now, it’s bikeshare and scooter share schemes feeling the strain. What was once a bright idea—shared vehicles available for eco-friendly urban travel—quickly became a chaotic scene: overcrowded sidewalks, broken vehicles, and no clear system to keep it all in check.
But things are changing, especially in Europe, where IoT (Internet of Things) is stepping in as a silent hero, helping to repair, monitor, and optimize these services to benefit both users and cities.
Understanding the Tragedy of Shared Mobility
The tragedy of the commons describes what happens when shared resources are overused because they don’t “belong” to anyone in particular, leading to neglect and mismanagement. In the case of bikeshare and scooter schemes, thousands of shared vehicles were left to fend for themselves in cities. People took them, rode them, left them wherever—and the result? Piles of scooters, broken bikes, and a system in need of major repair.
European cities have a long history of sustainable transportation and public space management. Cities limited the number of providers, set up designated parking zones, or opted to suspend schemes entirely. Local authorities address riders as well as bike vendors, indicating that it is not exactly a business issue, but a wider cultural construct related to “disposability. ” Others began exploring technology-driven solutions that offer even more control and efficiency—and that’s where IoT comes in.
IoT to the Rescue: Making Shared Vehicles Smarter
IoT, the power behind connected devices, has opened up a world of possibilities for keeping bikeshare and scooter systems functional and sustainable. Let’s look at some ways IoT is transforming shared mobility and making it smarter, more reliable, and more user-friendly:
- Maintenance and Repair: One of the biggest issues in shared mobility is vehicle damage. IoT sensors embedded in bikes and scooters can monitor the status of parts like wheels, brakes, and handlebars. When something’s wrong, the system can alert the maintenance team, flagging the vehicle before it becomes a safety hazard. This way, bikes and scooters are kept in better condition, improving user safety and prolonging the life of each vehicle.
- Battery Monitoring and Optimization: For electric scooters and e-bikes, battery life is everything. IoT sensors allow companies to track battery levels in real-time, alerting them when a battery is low or needs replacement. This not only prevents users from getting stranded on a dead scooter but also helps optimize battery charging schedules, reducing wear and improving the battery’s overall lifespan.
- User Data and Engine Health: IoT offers insight into the overall health of the vehicle, like engine status, speed monitoring, and even where and how each scooter or bike is being used. This data can help providers identify popular routes, peak usage times, and the areas where maintenance teams need to be most active. It can even identify trends in misuse, so city officials and companies can address these hotspots before they become bigger issues.
- Location Tracking and Anti-Theft: GPS-based IoT solutions ensure that companies can track the exact location of each bike or scooter, helping to prevent theft and abandonment. For users, this means easier access to vehicles right when they need them—no more wandering around hoping to stumble upon a scooter in the wild!
The European Approach: A Model for the Future?
Europe has been a forerunner in applying these technological and logistical changes. Designated parking zones for scooters, speed limits, and even parking fines for companies who fail to keep their vehicles in line have become common.
But the real game-changer is how cities are leaning into IoT. The combination of physical infrastructure (like parking zones) with digital infrastructure (like IoT monitoring) has created a balance between availability and responsibility, setting a standard that other cities worldwide could follow.
With IoT, bikeshare and scooter schemes are evolving from “commons” to managed, user-friendly services.
In the end, IoT is showing us that technology doesn’t just make things more convenient—it can also make shared resources more sustainable. The tragedy of the commons is being rewritten into a new story of urban mobility, and Europe’s cities are leading the way.
IoT may not completely solve every issue with bikeshare and scooter schemes, but it’s a powerful step forward. Here’s hoping more cities around the world pick up on the trend, turning chaos into clean, well-maintained transportation options for all.
