Can Bicycles Support Disaster Recovery? Modeling the Dynamics of Relief Distribution Using Micromobility

Micromobility offers a potential pathway to strengthen urban disaster resilience by enabling the distribution of emergency supplies when infrastructure or transportation networks are compromised. This study examines the viability of micromobility vehicles for post-disaster relief via agent-based modeling and simulations in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Focusing on the early recovery phase with exclusive micromobility deployment, three operational variables are evaluated: deployment rate, load capacity, and per capita supply allocation. The analysis reveals that optimal efficiency occurs when 2\% of the population participates in distribution efforts, each vehicle transports 18 kg loads, and deliverers provide 4 kilograms of supplies per community member per delivery. The results indicate that a relatively small but dedicated and efficient group of residents could achieve feasible recovery processes in a small city using solely micromobility. To better support communities, the research suggests that (1) micromobility be integrated into disaster relief plans and processes; (2) local cycling organizations be valued as key partners for disaster resource distribution; and (3) human-powered vehicles offer a flexible and nimble alternative for effective response in select situations. This research contributes to the emergency management literature by quantifying operational thresholds and demonstrating micromobility’s feasibility as a supplemental disaster response mechanism when conventional systems fail.