Standing e-scooters, what to expect: micro-mobility with micro effects?

Abstract

(standing) E-scooters are a promising mode of transport; the vehicles are electrically powered, light, and fit in the dense urban landscape. However, little is known about the impact of these vehicles that can be expected when introduced in the Netherlands. In this paper, effect estimations of e-scooters on travel behaviour and society are made, and insight is provided into the policy implications of these -expected-effects. A System Diagram is made of the introduction of e-scooters and their impact. The effect estimations in the diagram are gathered through mobility expert interviews and compared to known effects abroad from literature. Consequently, a focus group session with mobility experts was organised to gain insights into policy instruments. This paper concludes that the impact of e-scooters can be large and possibly negative if not well regulated. However, there are policy options that have the potential to improve the impact of e-scooters.