The Electric Scooter: a sustainable form of urban micro-mobility transport? A Geographical Overview

Abstract

Urbanisation has been overgrown in recent years, and the ever-increasing demand for efficient transportation options has pointed to significant challenges for cities around the globe. It became a pressing concern for eco-friendly, sustainable and convenient modes of transportation. To overcome these challenges, electric scooters have emerged with a unique blend of mobility as a promising solution with the interface of convenience, and environmental friendliness. The introduction of electric scooters (e-scooters) in transportation has provoked debate about the pros & cons of the service within the cities. It is relatively a new mode of transportation that has grown in popularity in recent years. People have seen them as a potential solution to problems such as traffic congestion and air pollution. While others raised concerns regarding the safety of e-scooters and their impact on pedestrian walkways, alongside debates regarding their true environmental impact.

However, there are trade-offs and their impact on city dwellers is controversial which is the starting point for this thesis. To justify the contribution of e-scooters to both transportation and society, the main research question outlined below will be the main focus area.

To what extent can e-scooters be considered a sustainable mode of transport?

To seek the answer to the above question, two additional sub-questions were considered. They are, Q1. What modes of transport do e-scooters replace? And Q2. What socio-demographic factors affect an individual’s preference to replace other transport?

A structured questionnaire survey was conducted, incorporating opportunities for respondents to express their opinions alongside structured inquiries. The survey focused on e-scooter users in Bergen as participants. This thesis will also adopt a geographical perspective to analyze the various factors that influence the adoption and implementation of electric scooters as a sustainable transport option. However, individuals who do not use e-scooters were excluded from consideration.

This thesis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of electric scooters as an urban micro-mobility sustainable transport option. It will explore the geographical context within which electric scooters operate, focusing on their implications for urban landscapes, transportation networks, and overall sustainability. By examining the opportunities and challenges associated with the integration of electric scooters into urban environments, this study intends to contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding sustainable transportation solutions.

The concept of micro-mobility has gained significant attention in recent years. For a short-distance trip, the use of compact and lightweight vehicles such as Electric scooters, powered by electric motors and rechargeable batteries, has quickly emerged as a popular choice among people since it is offering an efficient and flexible solution for short trips within urban areas. With their ability to manoeuvre through congested city streets and their potential to reduce traffic congestion, electric scooters have gained interest as a viable solution for last-mile connectivity and urban micro-mobility transportation challenges. Another benefit of e-scooters is their adaptability in size which allows users to easily board on public transport. This feature facilitates the realization of multimodal trips, where e-scooters can be combined with any mode of public transportation subsystem.

The literature review reveals numerous studies exploring various aspects of e-scooters, from their impact on urban mobility to safety and regulatory challenges. However, a notable gap exists in comprehensively understanding the long-term societal implications of e-scooter adoption, especially regarding their integration into broader urban transportation systems and consequent shifts in travel behaviour. Current studies have focused on specific areas such as consumer acceptance, safety measures, and regulatory practices. However, there is a critical need for a comprehensive investigation into the overall effects of e-scooters on urban mobility patterns, environmental sustainability, and social equity.

In conclusion, E-scooters have emerged with prospects of sustainable and transformative force in Bergen's transportation system that has appealed to a diverse demographic and significantly influenced travel behavior. They reduced the reliance on polluting transport modes slightly, such as cars and taxis, but dangerously replaced other recognised sustainable modes of transport like walking and public transport which is limiting their overall sustainability impact.

This study used the Avoid-Shift-Improve (ASI) model to justify its sustainability. E-scooters have the potential to be a sustainable form of transport, but their current impact is mixed. They are not significantly avoiding a substantial amount of unsustainable transport but being a part of the multimodal trip, they are contributing to reducing the connectivity gap. Following the ASI principle, “avoid” and “shift” are challenging due to their huge popularity. However, the “improve” perspective may play a significant role here. Enhancing existing transportation systems, addressing challenges like user behavior and implementing strategic policies are essential for promoting responsible use and enhancing safety. Technological advancements in battery efficiency, stringent regulations, and better integration with public transport are crucial for maximizing the benefits of e-scooters and ensuring their role in a comprehensive, sustainable urban mobility network.