Shared E-scooter Programs and Opportunities for Equitable Transportation in Suburban Communities (2024-2026)

The rapid rise of shared e-scooter systems has outpaced the ability of cities and regions to formulate policy and guidelines that ensure their safe, harmonious, and more importantly, equitable co-existence with pedestrians and vehicles. Most existing research on e-scooters has focused on urban contexts, leading to a lack of insight about potential impacts in suburban areas.

To fill this gap, this research project research focuses on shared e-scooters and their implications in Canadian suburban communities. We will investigate the equity-related implications of shared e-scooter programs in Ontario municipalities, by exploring where and when residents in suburban communities are using shared e-scooters, and for what purposes, and the differences in e-scooter use across socio-demographic groups and the key barriers to using an e-scooter for transportation purposes in a suburban settings.

The findings will highlight potential for shared e-scooter in encouraging sustainable transportation in suburban communities, while offering benefits equitably to various socio-demographic groups, and identify key barriers to using shared e-scooters, particularly among equity deserving population groups.