e-scooters
Newsletter
E-scooter experiment enters eighth year with mixed results
In the eighth year of America's e-scooter experiment, challenges persist regarding their environmental impact and safety.
In short:
- Shared e-scooters' climate benefits depend on how companies manage them and ensure rider safety.
- Research suggests that while scooters reduce some emissions, logistics operations may offset these gains.
- Safety concerns persist, with injuries rising despite efforts to promote safe riding.
Key quote:
"…we do everything we can to inspire the industries around us to decarbonize as well."
— Andrew Savage, Lime’s head of sustainability
Why this matters:
Despite hopes for e-scooters as a green alternative, their true impact on emissions and safety remains uncertain. Industry efforts to mitigate environmental and safety concerns are ongoing, but challenges persist in realizing their full potential as sustainable urban transport options.
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Photo by Andres Molina on Unsplash
Pittsburgh’s e-scooters program gets first green light in Harrisburg but will face opposition
A push to extend Pittsburgh’s ongoing experiment with so-called “e-scooters” – and to allow similar programs in other cities – advanced in the Legislature on Wednesday.
In Paris referendum, 89% of voters back a ban on electric scooters
A referendum emphasized how many residents had come to regard the scooters as dangerous nuisances with little environmental benefit. Other cities were closely watching the vote.
As pandemic wanes, bikeshare and e-scooter rides keep rising
The shared micromobility market has been resilient even as commuting patterns have shifted. But electric scooters have struggled — and costs are up for riders.
Photo by Ümit Yıldırım on Unsplash
In congested Istanbul, e-scooters find a home
The global proliferation of the two-wheelers has reached the Turkish metropolis, and one company in particular is dominating the market.
West Midlands Fire Service/Flickr
E-scooters help Australia's net-zero goals, but medics warn about long-term injuries
A regional emergency department specialist says they see about one patient a day with injuries from an e-scooter accident as a new survey shows riders are not taking safety seriously.
Matt Brown/Flickr
Escooter rentals aren’t as green as you think
Dubious design and inefficient operations are just some of the reasons why shared scooters’ eco-credentials are thin.
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