Same same, but different? Cycling and e-scootering in a rapidly changing urban transport landscape

Abstract

The introduction of e-scooters into the urban transport landscape has led to speculation regarding their potential to support transitions to healthy, sustainable and equitable urban mobility. This paper explores similarities between e-scooter use and cycling in terms of user demographics and competencies required. We draw on data from a 2019 survey of users and non-users of e-scooters. Cycling experience is not strongly related to e-scooter use or self-reported competence. E-scooters seem to appeal to a broader demographic than cycling. E-scooter users are more likely to be young, able or male, raising questions surrounding equity of this emerging mode.