Security and Privacy Challenges in Upcoming Intelligent Urban Micromobility Transportation Systems

Abstract

Micromobility vehicles are gaining popularity due to their portable nature, and their ability to serve short distance urban commutes better than traditional modes of transportation. Most of these vehicles, offered by various micromobility service providers around the world, are shareable and can be rented (by-the-minute) by riders, thus eliminating the need of owning and maintaining a personal vehicle. However, the existing micromobility ecosystem comprising of vehicles, service providers, and their users, can be exploited as an attack surface by malicious entities - to compromise its security, safety, and privacy. In this short position paper, we outline potential privacy and security challenges related to a very popular urban micromobility platform, specifically, dockless battery-powered e-scooters.