Impact of shared micro-mobility on local economy: Market sales and regional disparities

We examine the impact of shared e-scooters on regional accessibility and local economic development, focusing on different types of commercial districts—alleyway markets, traditional markets, and developed districts—in Seoul, Korea. Using a two-way fixed-effects model to account for both time-specific shocks and time-invariant district characteristics, we find that an increase in e-scooter returns is associated with higher sales based on within-district variation rather than cross-sectional differences. However, the magnitude of this effect varies by district type. The findings indicate that the impact of e-scooter usage on sales growth is more pronounced in alleyway markets, where baseline accessibility is structurally limited and mobility improvements generate larger marginal gains. These districts benefit more significantly due to their reliance on local foot traffic and limited accessibility via traditional transit systems. In addition, the effect also varies by store type, with quick-consumption venues such as coffee shops and convenience stores showing stronger responses than full-service restaurants, consistent with the higher sensitivity of short-duration, convenience-driven consumption to improvements in short-distance accessibility. This study suggests that shared e-scooters may improve mobility and access in regions underserved by transit infrastructure. The findings suggest that shared micro-mobility may play a contributing role in fostering differentiated and economically meaningful improvements, particularly in walkable but commercially constrained districts, thereby contributing to more inclusive forms of urban economic development.