Shared vs. private e-scooters: Same vehicle – different mode? Empirical evidence on e-scooter usage in Germany

Abstract

Various aspects of e-scooters as new mode of transport have already been discussed in science and society. However, little is known on differences between privately-owned and shared e-scooters regarding user characteristics and usage patterns. In this study, a large online survey is conducted to evaluate specific characteristics of the same vehicle in different usage contexts in Germany. It is seen that strong differences between the two groups exist. In particular, privately-owned e-scooters are characterized by longer trips and more frequent usage. On the other hand, e-scooters in sharing systems are combined much more often with modes of public transport. The substituted modes of transport strongly differ with private e-scooters replacing more car trips. The findings of the study help to understand obvious differences of e-scooter usage in different contexts.