Research Evidence: Overview of Studies for Rentop
Evidence for Addressing Episodic Travel Gaps and Vehicle Inflexibility
Research on Peer-to-Peer (P2P) shared mobility, the model Rentop uses, has been conducted in observational settings primarily using user surveys and systematic reviews of travel patterns. These studies have explored how access to a shared vehicle may relate to the need for flexible, short-duration transportation access and varied vehicle options. This evidence is relevant in studies examining daily-life functioning related to outcomes reflecting daily functioning or activity level.
Studies monitored how frequently users accessed the service for various reasons and examined changes measured during the study period, particularly regarding vehicle ownership decisions. Some research highlights changes measured during the study period, noting instances where urban residents reported a reduction in the number of vehicles they owned, or reported postponing the purchase of a new vehicle after joining a P2P service. This finding describes patterns observed in the studies among certain user groups in metropolitan areas.
However, the reported outcomes were typically short-to-intermediate term, focusing on immediate behavioral shifts in the first few years. Furthermore, research findings describe group patterns, not personal outcomes, and are often based on self-reported data, which introduces potential bias. Evidence is limited in settings outside of high-density urban areas, which indicates results apply only to the populations studied.
Evidence for Alleviating the Financial Strain of Asset Ownership
The economic impact of P2P sharing was evaluated in various models and user expenditure surveys. This research examined outcomes related to outcomes linked to physiological strain or stress associated with the financial burden of vehicle ownership. Studies explored comparisons between the cost of utilizing a shared vehicle on a pay-per-use basis versus the total annual fixed costs (like insurance, maintenance, and depreciation) of private ownership.
Findings describe patterns observed in the studies, and some analyses indicate a pattern of lower overall transportation cost compared to full ownership, especially when shared vehicle use is occasional. Research provides context but not individual predictions, and the findings suggest a strong relationship between the reported cost patterns and the user’s specific usage frequency and duration. For frequent use, the reported difference in transportation costs is less certain.
Research on Supporting Sustainable Urban Mobility
The potential for shared mobility platforms to support sustainable transport was studied for conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes like traffic congestion and emissions. Simulation and modeling studies, alongside systematic reviews, research examined systemic and environmental outcomes, measuring proxy outcomes such as estimated changes in Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and projected changes in CO2 emissions.
Findings were mixed across studies. Modeling studies reported measurements of estimated change in CO2 emissions, based on the assumption that a high number of shared vehicles replace private vehicles. However, other studies explored scenarios where the shared service was observed to be used as a substitute for public transportation or walking, rather than private cars, which research indicates can limit VMT reductions. Research describes the heterogeneity of results regarding congestion and environmental impact, and therefore, the evidence contributes to understanding travel patterns but does not determine a definitive outcome.
Key Evidence Gaps and Areas for Future Research
The research contributing to the broader evidence landscape of shared mobility still contains several limitations. Sample sizes were modest in some initial studies, and the evidence quality varies across studies, often relying on patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort and behavioral changes rather than objective metrics. There is limited information for long-term outcomes that would confirm the sustained changes in vehicle ownership and travel behavior beyond the first few years of service. Research is ongoing to better incorporate shared mobility data into urban planning models.
Key Studies & References
- Does Car-Sharing Reduce Car Ownership? Empirical Evidence from Germany
- The Impact of Carsharing on Household Vehicle Ownership
- Impacts of Carsharing on Passenger Vehicle Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Technical Background Document - California Air Resources Board (CARB)
- POLICY BRIEF - Carsharing (Vehicle Miles Traveled and GHG Emissions Reduction)