Scooters (both non-motorized & electric) provide small scale, low impact travel options. Note these are smaller than electric motor-bike type vehicles.

Benefits & Problems Addressed

Compact size: Scooters are smaller than bikes, which takes less space for storage (rental kiosks) and travel lanes. Scooters fold quickly and compactly to take on public transit.

Quick travel options: In case of congestion or transit vehicle breakdown, travelers can readily switch to a second mode.

Active transportation:  Non-motorized (or electric assist) scooters combine travel with low impact exercise.

Travel networks: Scooters can fill gaps between other transit/travel routes.

Tips & Techniques

Scooter types: Scooters can be (1) non-motorized, (2) Kick pedal, (3) electric.  For electric models, they can be fully electric or turned on for mobility assist.

Owned versus leased versus shared: Commuters can opt to own a scooter as part of a multi-modal commute.  Employers and building owners can provide for free or at a reduced costs as a mobility benefit. Scooter share can operate from kiosk-based scooters or undocked (i.e. users unlock from any location from a smart phone app).

Applications for cities: Scooters can be part of a multi-modal network linking public transportation, campus transportation.

Applications for campuses: Both public and private campuses can install scooter share stations linking key nodes.

Applications for large buildings: Private building owners can install where needed, for example convention centers, large housing/mixed use complexes and resorts.

Program types: Like bike share, cities can install stations for short term station-to-station rentals. Private buildings can provide a subscription for residents or workers who use to commute and/or link to public transit.

Hot Buttons: Mixed travel with pedestrians on sidewalks poses potential conflicts. Cities will need to address where scooters are allows (e.g. in bike lanes, sidewalks).  Scooters also have a limited range as opposed to bike share. Owning a scooter may be more convenient than as part of a shared system given their size and portability. Given their small size, scooters may be more prone to theft and damage.

Resources

Image: Strauborg-wakeup.eu