Micro-mobility and road safety: Why do e-scooter riders use the sidewalk? Evidence from a German field study
Research output: Contribution to journal › Research article › Contributed › peer-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 language | English |
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Article number | 29 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | European transport research review |
Volume | 15 (2023) |
Issue number | 1 |
Publication status | Published - 7 Sept 2023 |
Peer-reviewed | Yes |
External IDs
ORCID | /0000-0003-3162-9656/work/142659813 |
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WOS | 001060873400001 |
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Keywords
- e-scooter rider, Infrastructure use, Micro-mobility, Observational study, Pedestrian safety, Sidewalk riding, E-scooter rider