Ethics in transportation innovation: the case of neighborhood electric vehicles and municipal partnerships

Purpose In recent years, mobility startup companies providing on-demand rides using small neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) have operated in numerous cities with minimal regulation. At the same time, however, they have partnered with some municipalities, providing services to improve existing transportation infrastructure in some cases and entirely replacing it in other instances. While these partnerships seem straightforward, a few ethical issues require investigation. The purpose of this study is to flesh them out. It provides insights into how these mobility companies, municipalities and residents can work together to develop morally oriented practices that will not take the missteps of previous transportation companies. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a customized mixed methods approach. It uses theoretical tools from academic philosophy, empirical data from academic fields and existing policy measures. Findings This study reveals dimensions of the ethical issues relevant to municipal partnerships that can guide cities in implementing NEVs into existing transportation networks. Research limitations/implications The study concerns an emerging area, meaning that relying on several cases of how NEVs impact communities is inherently impossible. Originality/value This study is the first to address the ethical dimensions of small electric vehicles in the neighborhood. It will benefit municipalities and startups by helping them enter mutually beneficial partnerships.