A Survey of Electric-Scooter Riders' Route Choice, Safety Perception, and Helmet Use

This study investigated electric-scooter (e-scooter) rider behaviors and preferences to inform ways to increase safety for e-scooter riders. Data was collected from 329 e-scooter riders via two online and one in-person survey. Survey questions considered rider roadway infrastructure preferences, safety perceptions, and helmet-wearing behavior. Protected bike lanes were more commonly indicated as the safest infrastructure (62.4%) but were less likely to be the most preferred infrastructure (49.7%). Sidewalks were better matched between riders, indicating them as their preferred riding infrastructure (22.7%) and the perceived safest riding infrastructure (24.5%). Riders had low feelings of safety and preference for riding on major/neighborhood streets or on unprotected bike lanes. Riders reported significant concern about being hit by a moving vehicle, running into a pothole/rough roadway, and running into a moving vehicle. In line with the Theory of Planned Behavior, a significant relationship was found between the frequency of riding and helmet-wearing behavior, with more frequent riders being more likely to wear helmets. Findings suggest that existing roadway infrastructure may pose safety challenges and encourage rider-selected workarounds. Public policy may consider emphasizing protected bicycle lane development, rather than helmet mandates, to support e-scooter riding safety for all vulnerable road users.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the behaviors and preferences of e-scooter riders to improve their safety. Data was collected through online and in-person surveys from 329 e-scooter riders. The study found that protected bike lanes were considered the safest infrastructure, but sidewalks were the most preferred and perceived safest riding infrastructure. Riders had low feelings of safety and preference for riding on major/neighborhood streets or unprotected bike lanes. Findings suggest the need for better roadway infrastructure and support for e-scooter riding safety.