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From Mindshift to Modeshift Ep 5: A Shared Mobility ‘Geek-Out’ with Dr. Stephanie Altemoeller

In a special holiday edition of the “Mindshift to Modeshift” series, Dr. Stephanie Altemoeller, PR specialist for INVERS, a German-based car-sharing technology company, sat down to discuss her experiences in shared mobility. From living car-free in Metro Vancouver for the last 5 months to exploring global best practices, Dr. Altemoeller provides her insights into the future of sustainable transit systems.

"If people have shared mobility right in front of them and start using it, they get the experience and come to it. That’s when the real shift happens."
Dr. Stephanie Altemoeller
INVERS

Keep reading for the key takeaways from the webinar, or watch the full session below. Stay tuned for new episodes launching monthly.

Mindshift & Modeshift

Episode Five: A Shared Mobility 'Geek-Out' with Dr. Stephanie Altemoeller

The Shared Mobility 'Geeks'

Venkatesh Gopal

Venkatesh Gopal

CEO | movmi

Dr. Stephanie Altemoeller

Dr. Stephanie Altemoeller

Lead Strategic Communications | INVERS

Discovering Vancouver’s Mobility Landscape: A European Perspective

Having spent five months in Metro Vancouver, Dr. Altemoeller embraced the challenge of navigating a foreign city without the convenience of a private car. “What I find exciting about Vancouver is that it’s all there,” she said enthusiastically, referring to the city’s comprehensive mobility ecosystem. From SkyTrains and buses to bike-sharing and car-sharing services, Vancouver offered her a rare opportunity to rely solely on shared mobility.

However, her experience wasn’t without its hurdles. Living in Burnaby, just outside the car-sharing home zones, highlighted some of the system’s limitations. “It would be a good idea for some car-sharing companies to expand the home zones,” she suggested, emphasizing the importance of equitable access across all neighborhoods.

Despite the occasional hiccup, she described Vancouver’s multimodal transit as a “breath of fresh air,” praising the variety and efficiency of options. “The SkyTrain is particularly impressive—it’s fast, avoids traffic, and connects so many key areas.”

Contrasting Shared Mobility Between Europe and North America

Dr. Altemoeller’s experience as a shared mobility advocate spans multiple countries, and she offered fascinating comparisons between Vancouver and European cities. In places like Cologne and Düsseldorf, shared mobility density is noticeably higher, with robust offerings of station-based and free-floating car-sharing. However, smaller cities in Germany—and even those in British Columbia—struggle with limited service.

Her prescription? Better integration of car-sharing with public transportation. “If car-sharing could be offered as part of the public transit ecosystem, it would become much more appealing and practical, especially in less populated areas,” she suggested. This model, already being trialed in parts of Europe, could provide a roadmap for cities looking to expand their sustainable transit options.

Free-Floating vs. Station-Based Car Sharing: A User’s Dilemma

When asked to choose her preferred car-sharing model, Dr. Altemoeller hesitated. “Free-floating car sharing is definitely the most convenient—you just grab a car and go,” she said. However, she acknowledged the planning benefits of station-based systems. “What I like about station-based is that you can book two days in advance, and the car is always there when you need it. You don’t have to search for it.”

Her dual appreciation underscores the need for cities to offer a mix of options, catering to both spontaneous and pre-planned trips. She pointed to Düsseldorf’s mobility hubs as an inspiring example. “These hubs bring everything together—car-sharing, bike-sharing, scooters, and public transit. It makes it so easy to switch between modes.”

Does Mindshift or Modeshift Come First?

One of the central debates in the “Mindshift to Modeshift” series is whether behavior change (mindshift) precedes action (modeshift) or vice versa. Dr. Altemoeller argued convincingly for the latter. “If people have shared mobility right in front of them and start using it, they get the experience and come to it,” she explained, emphasizing the power of firsthand exposure.

Still, she acknowledged the role of awareness campaigns in creating a supportive context for change. “It’s important to educate people about the benefits of shared mobility, but the real shift happens when they experience it for themselves.”

A Mobility Wish for the World: Shared Mobility Day

As the interview concluded, Dr. Altemoeller shared a bold vision for the future: a global Shared Mobility Day. Inspired by Vancouver’s car-free day celebrations, she envisioned an event that would celebrate smarter transportation choices worldwide. “I wouldn’t phrase it as car-free, because we’re not against cars. We’re for a smarter use of cars within a shared mobility ecosystem,” she explained.

A Shared Mobility Day, she argued, could not only raise awareness but also encourage people to try shared transportation for themselves. “It’s about showing people what’s possible and creating a sense of community around sustainable transit.”

Stay tuned for the next edition of the “Mindshift to Modeshift” webinar series, where we will continue to explore innovative ways to transform transportation habits and create more sustainable cities.