Economic regulation and E-scooter networks in the USA

Kenneth Button, Hailey Frye and David Reaves

Research in Transportation Economics, 2020, vol. 84, issue C

Abstract: This paper looks at the challenges in the economic regulation of stand-up electronic scooters, or “e-scooters”. The e-scooter represents one of several innovative modes that have emerged to cater for transportation needs in urban areas. They provide connectivity linking local origins and destinations, as well as interconnectivity linking urban locations to inter-urban networks. These vehicles are marketed as a micro form of public transportation designed to meet the needs of fit and able people wishing to make trips of two miles or less. They are touted as part of “micromobility” complementing existing transportation networks. This paper reviews the gray and limited academic economic literature looking at the viability and economics of e-scooters within the context of the regulatory environment in which they operate in US cities. It considers the ways regulatory structures are evolving as the authorities learn of the attributes and limitations of the mode. In doing this, the paper also makes comparisons with some of the other “novel” forms of local transportation that have emerged, including those offered by transportation network companies. The paper focuses on the pre-Covid-19 period.

Keywords: E-scooters; Sharing economy; Economic regulation; Technical externalities; Economic core; Gig-economy; Nudging; Disruptive innovations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L91 L98 R40 R41 R48 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (13)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.retrec.2020.100973

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