What Mobility Modes Do Shared E-scooters Displace? A Review Of Recent Research Findings

Abstract

The impacts of shared e-scooters on modal shifts have received increased attention in recent years. This study provides a review of the literature for modal shifts in the U.S. and other countries. The authors also conduct an exploration of behavioral survey data collected in several major U.S. cities in 2019. The profile of shared e-scooter users is found to be rather similar to that of station-based and free-floating bikeshare programs. Depending on the circumstances, shared e-scooters either substitute for or complement the use of other travel modes. The empirical data reveal that people use shared e-scooters in place of cars at substantial rates, which suggests that in many locations shared e-scooters may be a good strategy for reducing car dependence. The use of shared e-scooters to complement public transit highly varies with the local context, showing a potential for modal integration in some cities. In addition, the authors argue more attention is needed to offering proper regulations and dedicated infrastructure for both e-scooter riders and other vulnerable road users, to increase safety and motivate users to make desirable mode shifts (in particular from car travel) that might help fight traffic congestion and reduce emissions.