Purpose
Shared e-scooters offer a convenient option for short distances. The surge in e-scooter usage has sparked public debate concerning safety, irresponsible riding behaviour, and a lack of regulations, among other issues. Although proponents of e-scooters view them as a means toward more sustainable transportation, the sustainability impacts depend largely on how they are used. Identifying usage patterns allows for an assessment of the environmental and social sustainability implications of shared e-scooter usage.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey data were collected from 765 e-scooter users in Finland in 2023. User profile groups were identified by employing latent profile analysis based on trip purposes, mode substitution, and motivation (e.g., safety, ease of use, environmental sustainability). These profiles were then combined with sociodemographic information.
Findings
Five e-scooter user profiles are identified: regular commuters, car substituters, comfort riders, occasional comfort riders, and disinterested occasional riders. The majority of e-scooter users are not willing to pay more for a greener scooter service and opt for substituting walking, biking, or public transport rather than cars.
Practical implications
The results can assist e-scooter operators and regulators in developing targeted interventions and informed policy development. Further, the results facilitate strategies to better cater to the needs of various user groups with optimised service offerings and customised marketing.
Social implications
The findings can be utilised in sustainable urban planning to guide the modal shift toward car replacement. The findings may be useful for developing regulations to promote safe and sustainable riding behaviour.
Originality/value
This study offers a nuanced understanding of shared e-scooter usage by identifying five distinct user profiles and assesses their environmental sustainability implications. This challenges conventional assumptions about the environmental sustainability of e-scooters and underscores the need for tailored strategies by operators, offering valuable insights for both industry stakeholders and urban planners.