How Do Regulations and Perceptions Affect the Willingness to Use Electric Scooters?

The growing popularity of electric scooters has been accompanied by discussions about the regulation needed to reduce the externalities associated with their use. This article analyzes the influence of regulations and perceptions on the willingness to use e-scooters. For this purpose, we developed a hybrid discrete choice model that links individuals' socio-demographic characteristics and regulations on operational attributes with latent attitudinal and perceptual constructs using data from a stated preference survey conducted in Bogotá, Colombia. The influence of regulations is mixed. Results suggest that some road safety measures such as mandatory helmet use, a maximum speed limit of 25 km/h, and restricting e-scooters´ circulation to bicycle lanes and streets (banning them from pedestrian walkways) increased the willingness to use electric scooters. In contrast, parking restrictions, high fares, and the imposition of fines for violations negatively impact the intention to use e-scooters. Furthermore, perceptions of road safety and convenience are the main constructs influencing the willingness to use these vehicles. A positive interaction was observed between perceptions of road safety and regulations, leading to greater acceptance of these policies and favorable attitudes towards e-scooters.