A Survey of Electric-Scooter Riders’ Route Choice, Safety Perception, and Helmet Use

Kelsey Sievert, Madeleine Roen, Curtis M. Craig and Nichole L. Morris ()
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Kelsey Sievert: HumanFIRST Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
Madeleine Roen: HumanFIRST Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
Curtis M. Craig: HumanFIRST Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
Nichole L. Morris: HumanFIRST Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 8, 1-14

Abstract: This study investigated electric-scooter (e-scooter) rider behaviors and preferences to inform ways to increase safety for e-scooter riders. Data was collected from 329 e-scooter riders via two online and one in-person survey. Survey questions considered rider roadway infrastructure preferences, safety perceptions, and helmet-wearing behavior. Protected bike lanes were more commonly indicated as the safest infrastructure (62.4%) but were less likely to be the most preferred infrastructure (49.7%). Sidewalks were better matched between riders, indicating them as their preferred riding infrastructure (22.7%) and the perceived safest riding infrastructure (24.5%). Riders had low feelings of safety and preference for riding on major/neighborhood streets or on unprotected bike lanes. Riders reported significant concern about being hit by a moving vehicle, running into a pothole/rough roadway, and running into a moving vehicle. In line with the Theory of Planned Behavior, a significant relationship was found between the frequency of riding and helmet-wearing behavior, with more frequent riders being more likely to wear helmets. Findings suggest that existing roadway infrastructure may pose safety challenges and encourage rider-selected workarounds. Public policy may consider emphasizing protected bicycle lane development, rather than helmet mandates, to support e-scooter riding safety for all vulnerable road users.

Keywords: electric scooter; e-scooter; micromobility; safety perception; preferences; mobility services (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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