Usage factors influencing e-scooter energy consumption: An empirical investigation

Abstract

Shared e-scooters are considered a sustainable urban travel solution, yet their environmental impact is notable, primarily due to a short lifespan and the use of Li-ion batteries. The objective of this paper is to explore the possible factors with an influence on e-scooter energy consumption. These influential factors include trip and rider attributes, built environment characteristics, road geometry, surface materials, light and meteorological conditions. This study empirically investigates factors influencing e-scooter battery energy consumption, utilizing real usage data from GPS-equipped free-floating e-scooters in four European cities at the individual trip level. GPS positions allowed for the specification of local road characteristics and ambient conditions. For this purpose Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, Open Street Maps and the Meteostat application were used. Energy consumption was explained with the use of linear regression models as a function of those parameters, while controlling user experience and battery usage intensity. An extensive dataset covering over 150,000 trips in Bordeaux, Hamburg, Malaga, and Paris and two months of observations was used to estimate the models. Results indicate that, while travel distance is the most influential factor, other usage aspects play a role. Cold weather, rain, wind, as well as stone-paved streets increase energy consumption. In addition there seems to be a battery age threshold beyond which energy consumption rises.