An equity-based optimisation model for location of parking areas in free-floating e-scooter sharing systems

Free-floating sharing mobility has seen rapid growth over the past few years. It is a valid alternative to cover short to medium distances and the fact that users may pick up and release a vehicle anywhere in the operating area has allowed this system to become more established and widespread. On the other hand, irregular parking creates disorder on the street and obstructs pedestrians on pavements. The location of parking areas in dockless systems may be the solution to these issues but this could favour one part of the population over another, due to the user willingness to walk between destinations and stations. For this reason, we propose an equity-based optimization model for the location of parking areas in free-floating e-scooter sharing systems with the aim of minimising unauthorized and irregular parking. Users are not obliged to drop off vehicles in these zones, and the equity was evaluated taking into consideration the user willingness to walk. This model was applied to a real case study, the city of Bari (Apulia, Italy), and the results were of great interest for municipal councils and operators of shared systems.