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

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 infra...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European transport research review 2023-12, Vol.15 (1), p.29-17, Article 29
Main Authors: Anke, Juliane, Ringhand, Madlen, Petzoldt, Tibor, Gehlert, Tina
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Automotive Engineering
Civil Engineering
e-scooter rider
Engineering
Infrastructure
Infrastructure use
Micro-mobility
Mobility
Motor scooters
Observational studies
Observational study
Original Paper
Pedestrian safety
Regional/Spatial Science
Roads
Sidewalk riding
Site surveys
Traffic accidents & safety
Traffic safety
Transportation
Walkways
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Summary: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.
ISSN:1866-8887
1867-0717
1866-8887
DOI:10.1186/s12544-023-00607-z