IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/transa/v205y2026ics0965856426000200.html

Does micromobility always contribute to traffic emission reduction? Modeling vehicle interactions in heterogeneous traffic flows

Author

Listed:
  • Wang, Yuxin
  • Wu, Yizheng
  • Wang, Lewen
  • Zhang, Leqi
  • Song, Guohua
  • Yu, Lei

Abstract

Micromobility, comprising small, lightweight vehicles, has gained popularity globally as a sustainable solution for achieving climate neutrality in metropolitan areas. While micromobility offers environmental benefits such as energy savings and emission reductions, interactions between micromobility vehicles (MMVs) and motor vehicles (MVs) can disrupt regular traffic flow and undermine these efforts. Given the dominance of regular bicycles (RBs) and electric bicycles (EBs) in China, this study focuses on these two modes as representatives for MMVs and proposes an improved heterogeneous flow simulation model to analyze the impact of MMV behaviors on MV operating dynamics. Observed MMVs behaviors (e.g., invasion and spilling) are modeled and defined as distinct lateral and longitudinal movement rules for RBs and EBs due to their different movement characteristics. A vehicle-specific-power-based (VSP-based) model with localized emission parameters is applied for accurate tailpipe emissions estimation, contrasting with traditional regression model. Field data from Beijing, China were collected for model calibration and validation, achieving an average deviation in simulated vehicle speeds of 4.70%. Results indicate that MMV interactions contribute up to 6.26% and 17.16% increases in NOx and CO emissions, respectively. Additionally, the adoption of EB reduces CO2 and HC emissions by 18.22% and 8.48%, respectively, compared to the RB-only scenario. This study further discusses the applicability and effects of various micromobility policies, including travel demand management, installing dedicated lanes, increasing e-powered penetration, and traffic calming. Adapting micromobility policies according to MV and MMV densities is crucial to preventing disproportionate emissions reduction efforts. The proposed model enhances the understanding of potential negative effect of micromobility on decarbonization objectives and serves as an effective tool for policymakers to assess and promote the effectiveness of micromobility policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Yuxin & Wu, Yizheng & Wang, Lewen & Zhang, Leqi & Song, Guohua & Yu, Lei, 2026. "Does micromobility always contribute to traffic emission reduction? Modeling vehicle interactions in heterogeneous traffic flows," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 205(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:transa:v:205:y:2026:i:c:s0965856426000200
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tra.2026.104879
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965856426000200
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.tra.2026.104879?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to

    for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Steve O’Hern & Nora Estgfaeller, 2020. "A Scientometric Review of Powered Micromobility," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-21, November.
    2. Rachid Marzoug & Noureddine Lakouari & José Roberto Pérez Cruz & Carlos Jesahel Vega Gómez, 2022. "Cellular Automata Model for Analysis and Optimization of Traffic Emission at Signalized Intersection," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-20, October.
    3. Qiao, Yan-feng & Xue, Yu & Wang, Xue & Cen, Bing-ling & Wang, Yi & Pan, Wei & Zhang, Yan-xin, 2021. "Investigation of PM emissions in cellular automata model with slow-to-start effect," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 574(C).
    4. Li, Yixin & Ni, Ying & Sun, Jian & Ma, Zian, 2020. "Modeling the illegal lane-changing behavior of bicycles on road segments: Considering lane-changing categories and bicycle heterogeneity," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 541(C).
    5. H. Binoua & H. Ez-Zahraouy & A. Khallouk & N. Lakouari, 2020. "Carbon dioxide emission in a single-lane cellular automaton model with a series of traffic lights," International Journal of Modern Physics C (IJMPC), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 31(11), pages 1-19, November.
    6. Zeng, Junwei & Qian, Yongsheng & Li, Jiao & Zhang, Yongzhi & Xu, Dejie, 2023. "Congestion and energy consumption of heterogeneous traffic flow mixed with intelligent connected vehicles and platoons," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 609(C).
    7. Wei Pan & Xiaolu Chen & Xiaojun Duan, 2022. "Energy dissipation and particulate emission at traffic bottleneck based on NaSch model," The European Physical Journal B: Condensed Matter and Complex Systems, Springer;EDP Sciences, vol. 95(7), pages 1-13, July.
    8. Vasic, Jelena & Ruskin, Heather J., 2012. "Cellular automata simulation of traffic including cars and bicycles," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 391(8), pages 2720-2729.
    9. Nikolaos-Fivos Galatoulas & Konstantinos N. Genikomsakis & Christos S. Ioakimidis, 2020. "Spatio-Temporal Trends of E-Bike Sharing System Deployment: A Review in Europe, North America and Asia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-17, June.
    10. Mohammad Hashem Askariyeh & Madhusudhan Venugopal & Haneen Khreis & Andrew Birt & Josias Zietsman, 2020. "Near-Road Traffic-Related Air Pollution: Resuspended PM 2.5 from Highways and Arterials," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-11, April.
    11. Pérez Cruz, José Roberto & Lakouari, Noureddine & Marzoug, Rachid & Pérez Sansalvador, Julio César, 2023. "Pedestrian–vehicle interactions at unsignalized mid-block crosswalks: Effects on traffic flow, CO2 emissions, and energy dissipation," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 630(C).
    12. Xingchen Yan & Tao Wang & Xiaofei Ye & Jun Chen & Zhen Yang & Hua Bai, 2018. "Recommended Widths for Separated Bicycle Lanes Considering Abreast Riding and Overtaking," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-16, September.
    13. Yan-Tao Zhang & Yu-Zhang Chen & Cong-Ling Shi & Mao-Bin Hu, 2023. "Impact of vehicle platoon on energy and emission in mixed traffic environment," International Journal of Modern Physics C (IJMPC), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 34(10), pages 1-14, October.
    14. Mu, Rui & Yamamoto, Toshiyuki, 2019. "Analysis of traffic flow with micro-cars with respect to safety and environmental impact," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 124(C), pages 217-241.
    15. Attila Aba & Domokos Esztergár-Kiss, 2024. "Electric micromobility from a policy-making perspective through European use cases," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(3), pages 7469-7490, March.
    16. Zhang, Shuichao & Ren, Gang & Yang, Renfa, 2013. "Simulation model of speed–density characteristics for mixed bicycle flow—Comparison between cellular automata model and gas dynamics model," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 392(20), pages 5110-5118.
    17. Hu, Xiaojian & Wang, Wei & Yang, Haifei, 2012. "Mixed traffic flow model considering illegal lane-changing behavior: Simulations in the framework of Kerner’s three-phase theory," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 391(21), pages 5102-5111.
    18. Chenhao Dong & Rongguo Ma & Yujie Yin & Borui Shi & Wanting Zhang & Yidan Zhang, 2020. "Traffic Conflict Analysis of Motor Vehicles and Nonmotor Vehicles Based on Improved Cellular Automata," Mathematical Problems in Engineering, Hindawi, vol. 2020, pages 1-11, January.
    19. Abdelghany, Ahmed & Abdelghany, Khaled & Mahmassani, Hani, 2016. "A hybrid simulation-assignment modeling framework for crowd dynamics in large-scale pedestrian facilities," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 159-176.
    20. Dong-Fan Xie & Zi-You Gao & Xiao-Mei Zhao, 2010. "Combined Cellular Automaton Model For Mixed Traffic Flow With Non-Motorized Vehicles," International Journal of Modern Physics C (IJMPC), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 21(12), pages 1443-1455.
    21. Wang, Xue & Xue, Yu & Cen, Bing-ling & Zhang, Peng & He, Hong-di, 2020. "Study on pollutant emissions of mixed traffic flow in cellular automaton," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 537(C).
    22. Dan Zhou & Sheng Jin & Dongfang Ma & Dianhai Wang, 2015. "Modeling Mixed Bicycle Traffic Flow: A Comparative Study on the Cellular Automata Approach," Discrete Dynamics in Nature and Society, Hindawi, vol. 2015, pages 1-11, August.
    23. Ahmed, Afzal & Ngoduy, Dong & Adnan, Muhammad & Baig, Mirza Asad Ullah, 2021. "On the fundamental diagram and driving behavior modeling of heterogeneous traffic flow using UAV-based data," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 148(C), pages 100-115.
    24. Ren, Gang & Jiang, Hang & Chen, Jingxu & Huang, Zhengfeng & Lu, Lili, 2016. "Heterogeneous cellular automata model for straight-through bicycle traffic at signalized intersection," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 451(C), pages 70-83.
    25. Haoyang Ding & Wei Wang & Tianming Luo & Zhen Yang & Ye Li & Zhibin Li, 2015. "Cellular Automata Based Modeling for Evaluating Different Bus Stop Designs in China," Discrete Dynamics in Nature and Society, Hindawi, vol. 2015, pages 1-10, February.
    26. Ni, Ying & Li, Yixin & Yuan, Yufei & Sun, Jian, 2023. "An operational simulation framework for modelling the multi-interaction of two-wheelers on mixed-traffic road segments," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 611(C).
    27. Lee, Tzu-Chang & Wong, K.I., 2016. "An agent-based model for queue formation of powered two-wheelers in heterogeneous traffic," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 461(C), pages 199-216.
    28. B. Jia & X.-G. Li & R. Jiang & Z.-Y. Gao, 2007. "Multi-value cellular automata model for mixed bicycle flow," The European Physical Journal B: Condensed Matter and Complex Systems, Springer;EDP Sciences, vol. 56(3), pages 247-252, April.
    29. Hou, Xianlei & Zhang, Rui & Yang, Minghui & Cheng, Shida, 2024. "Modeling the lane-changing behavior of non-motorized vehicles on road segments via social force model," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 633(C).
    30. Qiao, Yanfeng & Xue, Yu & Cen, Bingling & Zhang, Kun & Chen, Dong & Pan, Wei, 2024. "Study on particulate emission in two-lane mixed traffic flow," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 633(C).
    31. Tianjun Feng & Keyi Liu & Chunyan Liang, 2023. "An Improved Cellular Automata Traffic Flow Model Considering Driving Styles," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-19, January.
    32. Sanhita Das & Akhilesh Kumar Maurya, 2018. "Modelling of motorised two-wheelers: a review of the literature," Transport Reviews, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 38(2), pages 209-231, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. He, Chengyu & Qian, Qian & Pan, Jie & Shi, Jing, 2025. "Analyzing various two-wheelers in mixed traffic flow with cars using a cellular automata model incorporating social force," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 675(C).
    2. Ni, Ying & Li, Yixin & Yuan, Yufei & Sun, Jian, 2023. "An operational simulation framework for modelling the multi-interaction of two-wheelers on mixed-traffic road segments," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 611(C).
    3. Chen, Jingxu & Li, Zhibin & Jiang, Hang & Zhu, Senlai & Wang, Wei, 2017. "Simulating the impacts of on-street vehicle parking on traffic operations on urban streets using cellular automation," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 468(C), pages 880-891.
    4. Paulsen, Mads & Rasmussen, Thomas Kjær & Nielsen, Otto Anker, 2019. "Fast or forced to follow: A speed heterogeneous approach to congested multi-lane bicycle traffic simulation," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 72-98.
    5. Li, Yixin & Ni, Ying & Sun, Jian & Ma, Zian, 2020. "Modeling the illegal lane-changing behavior of bicycles on road segments: Considering lane-changing categories and bicycle heterogeneity," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 541(C).
    6. Zhang, Weibin & Li, Jingjin & Wang, Long & Wang, Qi & Huang, Xingran, 2026. "Enhanced social force model for non-motorized vehicle flow: predictive decision-making and spatio-temporal repulsion mechanism," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 688(C).
    7. Rui Jiang & Mao-Bin Hu & Qing-Song Wu & Wei-Guo Song, 2017. "Traffic Dynamics of Bicycle Flow: Experiment and Modeling," Transportation Science, INFORMS, vol. 51(3), pages 998-1008, August.
    8. Hou, Xianlei & Zhang, Rui & Yang, Minghui & Cheng, Shida, 2024. "Modeling the lane-changing behavior of non-motorized vehicles on road segments via social force model," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 633(C).
    9. Xue Wang & Yu Xue & Suwei Feng, 2023. "Traffic fuel consumption evaluation of the on-ramp with acceleration lane based on cellular automata," The European Physical Journal B: Condensed Matter and Complex Systems, Springer;EDP Sciences, vol. 96(6), pages 1-11, June.
    10. Ning Guo & Wai Wong & Rui Jiang & S. C. Wong & Qing-Yi Hao & Chao-Yun Wu, 2024. "Bicycle Flow Dynamics of Cyclist Loading and Unloading Processes at Bottlenecks," Transportation Science, INFORMS, vol. 58(2), pages 340-354, March.
    11. Yanxin Zhang & Yu Xue & Yanfeng Qiao & Bingling Cen, 2022. "Analytical Solution of the Mixed Traffic Flow Cellular Automaton FI Model with the Next-Nearest-Neighbor Interaction," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-12, June.
    12. Franklin Oliveira & Dilan Nery & Daniel G. Costa & Ivanovitch Silva & Luciana Lima, 2021. "A Survey of Technologies and Recent Developments for Sustainable Smart Cycling," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-28, March.
    13. Hu, Xiaojian & Yu, Fengkai, 2025. "Objective description of heterogeneous traffic flow patterns of passenger cars and trucks on long downhill sections in Kerner's three-phase traffic theory framework," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 659(C).
    14. Feng, Weihao & Wang, Bohui, 2025. "Stability analysis and delayed feedback control for platoon of connected automated vehicles with V2X and V2V infrastructure," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 658(C).
    15. Lyu, Zelin & Hu, Xiaojian & Zhang, Fang & Liu, Tenghui & Cui, Zhiwei, 2022. "Heterogeneous traffic flow characteristics on the highway with a climbing lane under different truck percentages: The framework of Kerner’s three-phase traffic theory," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 587(C).
    16. Pérez Cruz, José Roberto & Lakouari, Noureddine & Marzoug, Rachid & Pérez Sansalvador, Julio César, 2023. "Pedestrian–vehicle interactions at unsignalized mid-block crosswalks: Effects on traffic flow, CO2 emissions, and energy dissipation," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 630(C).
    17. Qiao, Yanfeng & Xue, Yu & Cen, Bingling & Zhang, Kun & Chen, Dong & Pan, Wei, 2024. "Study on particulate emission in two-lane mixed traffic flow," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 633(C).
    18. Xue, Shuqi & Jia, Bin & Jiang, Rui & Li, Xingang & Shan, Jingjing, 2017. "An improved Burgers cellular automaton model for bicycle flow," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 487(C), pages 164-177.
    19. Liu, Keyi & Feng, Tianjun, 2023. "Heterogeneous traffic flow cellular automata model mixed with intelligent controlled vehicles," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 632(P1).
    20. Lü, Xing & Zhou, Jin-Yu & Jiang, Rui & Jia, Bin & Gao, Ziyou, 2026. "Novel car-following model incorporating steady-state control effect in intelligent transportation systems," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 687(C).

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:transa:v:205:y:2026:i:c:s0965856426000200. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/547/description#description .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.