In 2018 and 2019, e-scooters swept cities across the globe. What began as an oddity quickly shifted into explosive growth as they began growing in popularity. It’s no longer a novel experience to hop on an e-scooter or see residents around your city taking a ride themselves. What made this mode of transportation spring into relevancy so quickly? As the way we get around is rapidly changing through the process of experiments and fun new ideas, here are a few things that I believe e-scooters have brought to the table that may be insightful not only for e-scooters but micro-mobility in general.
Hyper-convenience
The scooter has been around for decades while undergoing major upgrades since its inception in 1817 in Germany. As time passed, they became trendy on and off while being challenged by skateboards, rollerskates, and other inexpensive options for transportation. In the early 2000s, the highly anticipated Segway electric scooter was launched but failed to gain traction due to the fact that it was not only significantly heavier than traditional scooters (100 lbs compared to 10-27 lbs) but significantly costlier. At a whopping $5000, consumers could pay that amount for a decent used car.
Fast forward to today, and e-scooters have continued to evolve and adapt in ways that have inched them back towards a growing table of viable commute options. They’re small enough to take to many areas, they’re relatively inexpensive, and they’re significantly easier to learn and use than skateboards and rollerskates. For these reasons alone, it’s easy to see why a portion of city residents have adapted the “scooter-commuter” method from time to time.
A nuisance for thieves
While there is no silver bullet for deterring theft, there are many relatively easy solutions to prevent e-scooters from ending up in a stranger’s possession and maintaining the long term sustainability of e-scooters as a whole. E-scooters are easier to keep out of sight due to their size and possible foldability, depending on the model.
Companies are also implementing their own anti-theft measures. Some companies require users to use a cable lock once the ride is over, while others have locks controlled through an app, GPS tracking, require photos as proof that the e-scooter was properly parked, or have warnings that the authorities will be alerted if an app wasn’t used to unlock the e-scooter.
Most scooter-share systems are inexpensive anyway, so as a result, it may make less sense for somebody to steal a scooter when they can just start a quick rental. In a world where convenience is king, there’s nothing more convenient than finding a scooter readily on the sidewalk and beginning a rental in a matter of minutes.
A cherry on top for public transportation
Micro mobility, in general, has been a convenient option for first and last-mile trips. Of all the options out there, e-scooters may debatably be best suited for usage alongside trains and buses to meet accessibility needs. Central train and bus locations are often too far to walk, which allows e-scooters to assist in filling this gap and saving time. Depending on your individual city regulations, you may also be able to bring a scooter aboard with you, as their size makes the transportation much simpler. As a result, an e-scooter can be used as a first and last mile for a single trip. For example, you can ride an e-scooter to the bus, bring it with you on the bus, then ride it from the bus to your final destination. Be sure to check any requirements before you ride any public transportation with an e-scooter. Requirements may include:
-Not exceeding certain dimensions
-Not blocking any exits
-Covering your wheels and turning the e-scooter off
I still remember my first e-scooter rental like it was yesterday. After years and years of not riding scooters, I was pleasantly surprised at the entertainment it gave me on a last-mile trip across town. They don’t require a lot of maintenance, they’re economically friendly, and they’re simply fun to ride. They’ve survived for decades which means it’s safe to say that they’ll be here to stay for a long time, which makes it important for us to continue to find the right solutions in order to maximize the benefits they provide us. I for one, am excited to see where the next evolution of e-scooters takes us. It took a long time before automotive designs for standardized. With that in mind, the experimentation on functionality, new form designs, and wheel arrangements will serve as a precursor to our ever-changing comfort levels and transportation needs.