E-SCOOTER MICROMOBILITY

Are e-scooters here to stay?

Public Insights

E-scooters can be a divisive, emotive topic. For some, they represent the future of personal transport. To others, they are frustrating and a danger to riders and the public.

To better understand the nuances of different perspectives, DG Cities conducted a survey. We asked our Research Community, a panel of over 1,500 members of the public, to share their attitudes to and perceptions of e-scooters. The findings have been compiled in a report to support policymakers and local authorities as they get to grips with a disruptive, but potentially valuable, urban innovation. We explored several important issues, including e-scooter safety, environmental impacts and public opinion as to their legal status.

Key Findings

E-scooters divide public opinion, and views differ considerably on their value and impact:

  • Only a fifth (20.7%) of people think that e-scooters are safe for other road users. Just over a quarter (26.3%) think e-scooters are safe for their riders.

  • One fifth (20.3%) of people have used an e-scooter. Younger people are far more likely than older people to have used an e-scooter (42.2% of 18–24-year-olds vs 3.3% of those aged 75+). Age appears to be inversely related to usership – as individuals age, they become less likely to use e-scooters.

  • Whilst half (50.1%) of people aged 18-24 believe they should be legal, only 11.4% of people aged 75+ agree.

  • Our survey data shows that almost half (45.6%) see the environmental benefits of e-scooters.

“Useless for the elderly or infirm. If it's cold you freeze. If it's wet you get soaked. If it's dark no one will see you. You can't carry anything bigger than a small shoulder bag.  They are just a trendy novelty.”
Male respondent (65-74)

“I think they are brilliant! I see them driving around now and again and nobody is using them antisocially, they’re just getting around like the rest of us. I cannot understand the hate they receive.”
Female respondent (25-34)

Recommendations

E-scooter trials are underway - these will provide valuable evidence to inform if and how future services are developed. We think there are several important takeaways for local authorities, technology developers and policymakers:

  • Services should be designed in conjunction with end-users and other road users.

  • Safety is a major concern for the public - this should be reflected in how services are designed and implemented.

  • Regulation and licencing should be better communicated to the public to improve understanding, and flexible options made available.

  • Environmental impacts of e-scooter services, and in particular, a full lifecycle analysis, needs to be undertaken and fully appreciated in service design in comparison to other modes.

You can read the full report here.