Micro-mobility and road safety: Why do e-scooter riders use the sidewalk? Evidence from a German field study

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Objectives: Since their introduction in 2019, the use of e-scooters has become widespread in Germany. Concerns about road safety, especially pedestrian safety, have arisen as the popularity of micro-mobility has grown. In light of this context, the present study investigates which types of road infrastructure e-scooter riders use, with a focus on riding on the sidewalk, which is not permitted in Germany. We considered the following infrastructures: (1) off-road bike lane (+ sidewalk and road), (2) on-road bike lane (+ sidewalk and road), and (3) road (+ sidewalk). Methods: Observations at six sites (recording 738 e-scooter riders) and on-site surveys (involving responses from 129 e-scooter riders) were conducted in two German cities in August 2020 and September 2020. Results: Self-reported sidewalk riding was not found to be linked directly to a lack of rule knowledge, a preference for this type of infrastructure, or perceived safety. Observations indicated that using the sidewalk might be related to situational components, such as comfort or convenience, comprising up to 40% of instances of sidewalk riding. Conclusion: Considering the comfort and convenience factor of sites when building or improving cycling infrastructure can help keep e-scooter riders from riding on the sidewalk.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number29
Number of pages17
JournalEuropean transport research review
Volume15 (2023)
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 7 Sept 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0003-3162-9656/work/142659813
WOS 001060873400001

Keywords

Keywords

  • e-scooter rider, Infrastructure use, Micro-mobility, Observational study, Pedestrian safety, Sidewalk riding, E-scooter rider