The Disruptive Power of ‘Minimobility’

Small, lightweight vehicles similar to golf carts could eliminate many Americans’ need for a second car and make roads safer for all users.

1 minute read

November 9, 2022, 6:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Line of golf carts parked on street in The Villages, Florida

Jillian Cain Photography / Golf carts in The Villages, Florida

Writing in Fast Company, David Zipper highlights the disruptive potential of 'minimobility'—a variation on the more well-known micromobility—in particular, an emerging class of tiny vehicles modeled on golf carts. “While bikes and scooters have been around for well over a century, the addition of small electric batteries has been a revelation, letting riders comfortably handle steep hills and muggy weather (e-cargo bikes are especially helpful when lugging groceries or children).” Meanwhile, smaller, lighter vehicles pose less danger to pedestrians in collisions and produce fewer emissions for building and charging than larger electric cars.

As American cars get bigger and more expensive, small, efficient vehicles could become increasingly attractive to buyers. “Consumer preferences are already showing signs of shifting. In the U.S., more e-bikes are now sold than electric cars,” Zipper points out. “Golf carts—already ubiquitous in suburban enclaves like The Villages, Florida, and Peachtree City, Georgia—are popping up in places like Scottsdale, Arizona, and downtown Tampa.”

Zipper notes that the biggest obstacle to more widespread adoption is America’s tradition of car-centric development and road design, but that the tide is slowly turning in favor of multimodal infrastructure. “The prospect of a rapid shift toward small vehicles should be keeping auto executives awake at night. But from a societal perspective, it could be a dream come true.”

Wednesday, November 2, 2022 in Fast Company

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

View of Washington state capitol dome in Olympia, Washington at golden hour.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap

A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

2 hours ago - Washington State Standard

Low view of Glendale Narrows section of Los Angeles River with concrete bottom and cloudy storm sky over head.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience

Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

3 hours ago - The Planning Report

Grandparents sitting on bench with young girl and boy, girl holding ball and boy holding ukelele.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan

As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.

4 hours ago - Source NM