Learning from the evidence: Insights for regulating e-scooters

As a trending mobility choice, e -scooters have become popular in many cities. A number of authorities have initiated shared e -scooter trial schemes to assess the feasibility of the vehicles prior to enacting official legalisation. This paper aims to provide an evidence review of shared e -scooters and investigate how existing evidence may inform long-term policies. This carries significant relevance for jurisdictions that are in a conflicting position with e -scooters, such as New South Wales (NSW), Australia whose context motivates this study. The evidence review focuses on three themes derived from experience with shared e -scooters within the broader micromobility landscape, namely: safety; where shared e -scooters fit into the modal landscape; and the environmental impacts. Findings confirm that ensuring the safety of shared e -scooters requires complex solutions, which may include a clear regulatory framework for e -scooters, safety education and skill training, innovative data collection and analysis methods, and an approach to safety management that is user -based, location -based, and time -based. In terms of modal fit policymakers should encourage first and last -mile combinations with public transport, with consideration of user characteristics; while climate impact is strongly correlated to the mode replaced by escooter trips. The paper provides insights for policymakers on the regulation and positioning of shared e -scooters.