SPIN Research Proposal Request

Micro-Mobility Research at Michigan State University

Introduction: Campus environments create a unique opportunity to serve as research laboratories for maximizing micromobility’s potential as a tool for creating more livable and sustainable communities. This is in large part due to the operating environment itself being so well suited to micromobility – high density that helps facilitate frequent trip lengths under 2 miles and high volumes of ridership stemming from frequent student, faculty, staff and visitor usage.

SPIN is interested in working with students, staff and faculty at MSU on interesting research projects in the micromobility space.

MSU Business Connect is now accepting mini-proposals for this award

Deadline for mini proposal submission: March 31st at noon.

Interviews with finalist to occur in April 2026.

Award Announcement April 2026.

Proposals for 2026 Research Projects will be considered with MSU faculty members who are selected based on a one-page proposal, interview, and subsequent SOW refinement and budget determination.  Proposed research projects should be considered in the following areas:

1) Safety and Education

Safe operation of e-scooters on campus is a critical priority. MSU is interested in projects that gather data, analyze risks, and propose strategies to mitigate hazards associated with micromobility. Areas of interest include:

  1. Impacts of Inclement Weather
    Research on how impactful (or not) rain, snow, ice, and reduced visibility affect e-scooter performance and user safety.
  2. Reduction of Near-Misses and Accidents
    Methods for identifying, predicting, and reducing collisions or near-miss events on campus.
  3. Interactions Among Multiple Vehicle Types
    Analysis of shared pathway dynamics among bicycles, cars, pedestrians, and e-scooters to identify conflict points and improve safety.

 

2) Education

MSU seeks proposals that advance the design and evaluation of safety education programs for micromobility users. Areas of interest include:

  1. Evaluating Incentive-Based Safety Programs
    Measuring the effectiveness of incentives designed to promote safe behaviors (e.g., helmet use, use of bike lanes, speed compliance).
  2. Improving User Communication
    Developing more effective methods for communicating safety guidelines and operational updates to riders.
  3. Increasing Adherence to Best Practices
    Identifying strategies to improve compliance with recommended safety behaviors and campus micromobility policies.

 

3) New Micromobility Form Factors

As micromobility options evolve, MSU is interested in understanding how emerging form factors—particularly seated scooters—affect user adoption, operational needs, and maintenance. Areas of interest include:

  1. Rider Adoption and Use Patterns
    Research on the popularity, user demographics, perceived accessibility, and trip characteristics associated with seated scooters compared to traditional standing models.
  2. Infrastructure Compatibility
    Evaluation of how different scooter types interact with campus pathways, bike lanes, curbs, crossings, and parking areas.
  1. Operational and Maintenance Implications
    Insights into charging, durability, maintenance frequency, and fleet management differences tied to form factor.
  1. Ergonomics and Components of Seated Devices

Recommendations on design elements to maximize safety, user comfort, and new features to optimize rider experience.

 

4) Miscallaneous/Novel Research

MSU welcomes innovative proposals that introduce new knowledge or capabilities to the micromobility ecosystem, especially projects that:

  1. Leverage Existing Work or Expertise in Your Lab
    Build upon established research areas, methodologies, or instrumentation.
  2. Provide Valuable Insights or Data for Spin
    Support operational improvements, product enhancements, or policy development for the vendor partner.
  3. Benefit the Broader Micromobility Ecosystem
    Contribute findings that can improve safety, sustainability, or scalability of micromobility solutions beyond campus.

 

Application Requirements

  • Please answer the questions below.
  • Proposals should be no more than one page in length (a second page with graphs/images can be included).
  • Proposals should contemplate work starting in April of 2026 with a final report delivery of no later than December 5, 2026.
  • Please note that peak usage of devices on campus is August-October.
  • Work will be funded from Spin’s revenue share program with MSU.  This will be a research project funded with MSU direct funds (does not require IDC).  Please contact Brice Nelson with any questions.
  • Submit via email to the attention of Brice Nelson (bnelson@msu.edu) with the Subject Line “2026 SPIN PROPOSAL: …”

Questions to Address in Proposal:

  1. Statement of Research Problem. What is your objective with this project? What specifically do you seek to accomplish? (1-2 sentences)
  2. Project Timeline.  This award is intended for Projects that will be conducted in 2026.  If you believe additional time would be needed, please provide an expected timeline of research, including important milestones and total time needed to complete the project:
  3. Budget summary of your proposed project.  (Target awards of $15,000 – $45,000)
  4. Answers to the following
    1. Why should this project be funded?
    2. What are the projected benefits of funding this project?
    3. What is the exact output of the project and what form will it take (knowledge, a model, software, a design, other)?
    4. What is the likelihood of implementing the successful results of the project to create value for the micromobility industry?
    5. Is there a clear and strong implementation path that enables project impact?
    6. What are the most significant obstacles that will challenge the success of this project?  Please explain.
  5. Any additional information not covered by these questions, please provide it here.

Proposal Timeline

  • Deadline for mini proposal submission:March 31st at noon.
  • Interviews with finalists to occur in April 2026..
  • Award Announcement: April 2026

Please direct any questions regarding this award or the application process to Brice Nelson, Director of Corporate Partnerships (bnelson@msu.edu).

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