Insights from a pilot investigating the impacts of shared E-scooter use on physical activity using a single-case design methodology

Introduction: Shared e-scooters have recently emerged as a convenient, flexible transportation option for short trips in dozens of cities and on university campuses. While there is survey evi-dence that e-scooting replaces walking and bicycling trips, potentially impacting physical activity (PA) levels, little is known about how e-scooter use objectively affects PA and how e-scooter use affects individual travel options in ways that could influence planning for active transportation.Methods: This paper provides insights into the PA impacts of shared e-scooter use within a small sample of frequent e-scooter riders in the Phoenix, AZ, area. The single-case, longitudinal study monitored the daily biometric data of eight participants over a five-week period during which e-scooter use was alternately allowed, prohibited, and allowed again in an ABA design. The study also employed surveys and daily travel logs to gather information on travel behavior and per-ceptions of benefits and disbenefits related to e-scooter use. Results: Biometric data indicate that bicycling and walking trips are substantially more active than e-scooting or driving trips. Self-reported trip data suggest that when e-scooters were allowed (Phases 1 and 3), e-scooter trips disproportionately replaced walking, bicycling, and/or e-biking trips, compared to auto trips. However, when participants were prohibited from using e-scooters (Phase 2), 89% of trips were reported by automobile, complicating the story of trip substitution and suggesting larger contextual influences. Finally, participants saw e-scooters as an important transportation option. Conclusions: E-scooter use appears to reduce physically active travel, although it is somewhat healthier than driving and its relationship with PA seems to be moderated by transportation habits, options, and context. E-scooter users clearly value e-scooters for their convenience, affordability, speed, and fun. Cities could consider restricting e-scooters in highly walkable areas, but should recognize e-scooters as an important part of the urban transportation system.

Automated summary

This study examines the impact of shared e-scooter use on physical activity (PA) levels and travel behavior. The findings indicate that biking and walking trips are more active than e-scooting or driving trips. E-scooter use largely replaces walking, biking, and e-biking trips, but when prohibited, most trips are taken by automobile. E-scooter users view them as an important transportation option. The study suggests that e-scooters reduce physically active travel, but their relationship with PA is influenced by transportation habits, options, and context.