US Micromobility Market Grows as Golf Carts and Micro EVs Surge

The United States is seeing a rapid expansion of micromobility options. According to the Wall Street Journal, the market for golf‑cart‑type vehicles is projected to rise from about $1 billion before the pandemic to $5 billion by 2026, with modern models now equipped with seat belts, lights, turn signals and navigation systems and being used for everyday trips in residential neighborhoods.

E‑bike imports reached 2.2 million units in 2025, and low‑speed vehicles (LSVs) that travel 20‑25 mph have been formally recognized as a vehicle class by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. New micro‑EVs such as the Fiat Topolino (priced at $13,995, 5.4 kWh battery, 25 mph top speed), the Microlino Spider designed as an “anti‑pickup” vehicle, and Honda’s Super‑N EV are entering the market as affordable, short‑range alternatives.

While SUVs still account for about 60 % of U.S. vehicle production, compact SUVs have overtaken full‑size pickups in sales, reflecting a broader consumer shift toward smaller, more efficient transportation for the roughly 80 % of daily trips that are short‑distance. The micromobility trend is positioned as a complementary option rather than a replacement for larger vehicles, offering practical, low‑cost mobility for suburban and campus environments.