Analyzing the Impacts of a Successful Diffusion of Shared E-Scooters and Other Micromobility Devices and Efficient Management Strategies for Successful Operations in Illinois

Active transportation can play an important role in promoting more physically active and positive public health outcomes. While walking and biking provide significant physical health benefits, their modal share remains low. As a new form of micromobility service, shared e-scooters can enhance the suite of options available in cities to promote active transportation and fill in the gaps when walking or biking are not preferred. Although e-scooters show potential as a mode of transportation, it is unclear whether people will adopt the technology for everyday use. Furthermore, shared micromobility (e.g., electric scooters) is gaining attention as a complementary mode to public transit and is expected to offer a solution to access/egress for public transit. However, few studies have analyzed integrated usage of shared e-scooters and public transit systems while using panel data to measure spatial and temporal characteristics. This study aims to examine the adoption and frequency of shared e-scooter usage and provide policy implementation. To do so, the researchers launched a survey in the Chicago region in late 2020 and collected a rich data set that includes residents’ sociodemographic details and frequency of shared e-scooter use. To characterize the frequency, the researchers used an ordered probit structure. The findings show that respondents who are male, low income, Millennials and Generation Z, or do not have a vehicle are associated with a higher frequency of shared e-scooter use. Furthermore, this study utilizes shared e-scooter trips for a 35-day measurement period from 10 shared e-scooter operators in Chicago, where the researchers used a random-parameter negative binomial modeling approach to analyze panel effects. The findings highlight the critical role of spatial and temporal characteristics in the integration of shared e-scooters with transit.