Characteristic of Micro-Mobility Devices’ Users in Malaysia

Abstract

Introducing micro-mobility devices (MMD) such as bicycles and e-scooters as a transport option in Malaysia and the risk safety issues have attracted the attention of the government and enforcement agencies especially when they are cycling or riding on the road. Its uncontrolled use has made the government decision to ban the use of certain MMDs on the road with effect from the beginning of 2022. However, in order to support smart mobility, green and active mobility, the government is devising a mechanism to enable the use of MMDs in some areas. Therefore, this paper explores the characteristics and demographics of existing MMD users in Malaysia in order to assist the government give careful consideration to the safety of MMD users. The government must decide on the best ecosystem to implement the use of MMD through a safe control mechanism in terms of vehicles, infrastructure and users. To achieve an objective to assist in the decision-making process for the selection of appropriate countermeasures to promote the safety of MMD users, this study aims to assess and understand the characteristics of MMD users in Malaysia. This study only focused on existing MMD users. Throughout the online survey, a total of 371 respondents were involved in this study of which 277 were MMD users. This study also revealed that most MMD users in Malaysia are male, young (teenagers and adults) and have a fixed income.