E&M

This article examines how Generation Z’s mobility behaviors evolve across time – rooted in early-life experiences, reshaped through present transitions, and projected into future mobility choices. Drawing on qualitative research across major East Asian and Indian cities, we trace how emotional memory, technological adaptation, and pragmatic decision-making interact to guide emerging approaches to mobility. Our findings reveal a shift from fixed habits toward flexible, context-dependent “polymobility,” where convenience and integration outweigh ideological motivations. By connecting past patterns, current adaptations, and future decision nodes, the study offers actionable insights for policymakers, brands, and cities designing user-centric, sustainable, and life-compatible mobility systems.