Equity of Shared E-Scooter Systems: Evidence from Chicago 2019 Pilot Program

Abstract

As an emerging short-distance mobility mode, the shared e-scooter system has been studied extensively; however, an unexplored question going forward is how equitably this system is accessible among different population groups. In this study, we utilize spatial analyses to identify disparities in accessing e-scooters during the Chicago 2019 pilot program. Moreover, previous studies assessing spatial accessibility of micromobility mainly use highly aggregated data overlooking the heterogeneity within spatial units. To address this issue, we employ a block group-level data set comprising location records of the e-scooters in the pilot program, socio-demographics, and built environment factors. Further, our approach constitutes both horizontal and vertical equity perspectives. To assess horizontal equity, we apply Lorenz curve analysis to characterize the spatial distribution of e-scooters. Subsequently, from a vertical equity perspective, we employ ordinary least square and geographically weighted regression models to investigate the underlying factors associated with e-scooter accessibility within the pilot area. The findings show a wide racial gap in e-scooter accessibility, where Asian areas have better accessibility than Hispanic areas with associated Gini indices of 0.467, and 0.752, respectively. Further, the GWR results revealed disparities in e-scooter accessibility for females, the elderly, and the Hispanic race. The findings of this study provide valuable lessons from Chicago’s 2019 e-scooter pilot program and can contribute to improving equity in e-scooter accessibility for future pilot programs.