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Considering the Potential Health Impacts of Electric Scooters: An Analysis of User Reported Behaviors in Provo, Utah

Author

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  • Jeffrey Glenn

    (Department of Public Health, College of Life Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA)

  • Madeline Bluth

    (Department of Public Health, College of Life Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA)

  • Mannon Christianson

    (Department of Public Health, College of Life Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA)

  • Jaymie Pressley

    (Department of Public Health, College of Life Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA)

  • Austin Taylor

    (Community and Neighborhood Services Department, City of Provo, Provo, UT 84601, USA)

  • Gregory S. Macfarlane

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA)

  • Robert A. Chaney

    (Department of Public Health, College of Life Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA)

Abstract

Electric scooters (e-scooters) are an increasingly popular form of transportation in urban areas. While research on this topic has focused primarily on injuries, there are multiple mechanisms by which e-scooter share programs may impact health. The aim of this study is to explore the health-related behaviors of e-scooter users and to discuss their implications for public health. Data were collected using an online survey emailed to registered e-scooter users. A total of 1070 users completed the survey. Descriptive variable statistics and chi-squared analysis were performed to determine variable dependent relationships and equality of proportions. The most common destinations reported were “just riding around for fun”, home, and dining/shopping. The two most common modes of transportation that would have been used if e-scooters were not available were walking (43.5%) and using a personal vehicle (28.5%). Riding behavior was equally mixed between on the street, on the sidewalk, and equal amounts of both. e-Scooters in Provo are likely having both positive (e.g., air pollution) and negative impacts on health (e.g., injuries, physical inactivity). Future research should further explore patterns of e-scooter use and explicitly examine the linkages between e-scooters and areas of health beyond just injuries.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeffrey Glenn & Madeline Bluth & Mannon Christianson & Jaymie Pressley & Austin Taylor & Gregory S. Macfarlane & Robert A. Chaney, 2020. "Considering the Potential Health Impacts of Electric Scooters: An Analysis of User Reported Behaviors in Provo, Utah," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:17:p:6344-:d:406831
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Roig-Costa, Oriol & Miralles-Guasch, Carme & Marquet, Oriol, 2024. "Shared bikes vs. private e-scooters. Understanding patterns of use and demand in a policy-constrained micromobility environment," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 146(C), pages 116-125.
    4. Bretones, Alexandra & Marquet, Oriol, 2022. "Sociopsychological factors associated with the adoption and usage of electric micromobility. A literature review," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 230-249.
    5. Shiva Pourfalatoun & Jubaer Ahmed & Erika E. Miller, 2023. "Shared Electric Scooter Users and Non-Users: Perceptions on Safety, Adoption and Risk," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-15, June.
    6. Juan Pablo Montero-Salgado & Jose Muñoz-Sanz & Blanca Arenas-Ramírez & Cristina Alén-Cordero, 2022. "Identification of the Mechanical Failure Factors with Potential Influencing Road Accidents in Ecuador," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-27, June.

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