Analyzing the accessibility of public transportation by shared micro-mobility devices (SMDs): a case study of the 1st Neighborhood District in Sejong, Korea

This study aimed to compare public transportation accessibility according to different shared micro-mobility devices (SMDs) in the Multifunctional Administrative City (MAC) of Sejong where SMD services are currently operating, considering ramps, pick-up and return locations, and delay times at intersections. Public bicycle share (PBS) incorporated dock access time and pick-up/return time, while electric bicycle share (EBS) and electric scooter share (ESS) reflected access and rental processes. To estimate travel speed under varying terrain, a linear regression model was developed using driving-experiment data, and service areas were computed accordingly. The results show that ESS exhibited the smallest speed reduction on steeper slopes, followed by EBS and PBS. Incorporating slope-dependent travel speed and operational delays significantly influenced service-area estimates. SMDs enhanced access to bus stops in residential, commercial, and administrative districts; however, their supplemental effect was limited in suburban areas with sparse dock locations or challenging topography. These findings demonstrate that accessibility assessments using uniform speeds risk service coverage. By integrating slope-sensitive travel models and operational factors, this study provides a more empirical framework for evaluating public transportation accessibility by SMD uses and highlights the need to strategically plan SMD placement and device types in areas with low public transportation accessibility.