Considering the Potential Health Impacts of Electric Scooters

An Analysis of User Reported Behaviors in Provo, Utah

Bibliographic Data

ID15460825
AuthorsJeffrey Glenn (0000-0001-7989-3435, Brigham Young University, corresponding author), Madeline Bluth (Brigham Young University), Mannon Christianson (Brigham Young University), Jaymie Pressley (Brigham Young University), Austin Taylor (Community and Neighborhood Services Department, City of Provo, Provo, UT 84601, USA), Gregory S Macfarlane (0000-0003-3999-7584, Brigham Young University), Robert A Chaney (0000-0001-7330-7503, Brigham Young University)
Year2020
Volume17
Issue17
Pages6344-6344
Publication date2020-08-31
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph17176344
PMID32878295
OpenAlexW3082896567
LanguageEN
Citations received7
References cited32

Electric scooters (e-scooters) are an increasingly popular form of transportation in urban areas. While research on this topic has focused primarily on injuries, there are multiple mechanisms by which e-scooter share programs may impact health. The aim of this study is to explore the health-related behaviors of e-scooter users and to discuss their implications for public health. Data were collected using an online survey emailed to registered e-scooter users. A total of 1070 users completed the survey. Descriptive variable statistics and chi-squared analysis were performed to determine variable dependent relationships and equality of proportions. The most common destinations reported were "just riding around for fun", home, and dining/shopping. The two most common modes of transportation that would have been used if e-scooters were not available were walking (43.5%) and using a personal vehicle (28.5%). Riding behavior was equally mixed between on the street, on the sidewalk, and equal amounts of both. e-Scooters in Provo are likely having both positive (e.g., air pollution) and negative impacts on health (e.g., injuries, physical inactivity). Future research should further explore patterns of e-scooter use and explicitly examine the linkages between e-scooters and areas of health beyond just injuries

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