Risk Perception and Barriers to Electric Scooter Prevalence

Micro-mobility, which includes small, lightweight vehicles such as bicycles, electric scooters, and electric bikes, has emerged as a key component of modern urban transportation over the last decade. ESs have transformed how people navigate cities by offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional transport, improving last-mile connectivity, and reducing traffic congestion. However, they also present challenges related to safety, infrastructure, and regulation. The rising crash rates involving electric scooters pose a significant public safety concern, driven by their novelty and limited research on associated risks. This study investigates factors influencing the adoption and use of electric scooter-sharing services, emphasizing risk perception, cultural norms, technological familiarity, and physical infrastructure. It also examines travel behaviors, common risks, and barriers to adoption. Using data from 254 Israeli participants, including 50 electric scooter users, the research highlights that 48% of users experienced near-miss incidents, and 38% used scooters on vehicular roads. The primary risk was identified as dangerous driver behavior on these roads, while the key barrier to adoption was a high perception of risk or low sense of safety. A structural equation model revealed that risk perception is influenced by gender-related attitudes and subjective norms, which indirectly diminish positive attitudes toward electric scooters and willingness to share and use them. The findings emphasize the importance of a safe physical infrastructure in fostering positive attitudes and promoting electric scooter use. This research provides valuable insights into mitigating risks and improving the adoption of electric scooters as a sustainable micro-mobility option.