Assessing micro-mobility net benefits at the individual level: Evidence for two European countries

Abstract

This study, comparing two European countries, explores the net benefits of e-scooters in interplay with their usage and user satisfaction. We surveyed 199 e-scooter users in Germany and 184 in Portugal. A novel framework based on an established model used to evaluate information systems’ success is introduced, where net benefits, here, are ultimately expressed by the efficiency and effectiveness of e-scooters in undertaking short-distance trips. All in all, one can infer that pragmatic reasons, in terms of functionality and fulfillment of purpose, are the most important factors in the usage and satisfaction of e-scooters. Recreational reasons are, at most, a side effect. The number one explanation of e-scooter net benefits, conducting short-distance trips effectively and efficiently, is user satisfaction, which is reinforced by use. Price also plays a rather important role, while thoughts regarding sustainability and safety do matter but subordinately. Preponderantly, the countries’ subsamples align with the full-sample model’s findings, with some differences among them; nonetheless, no significant one can be found. All in all, both countries share comparable individual-level behaviors regarding e-scooters.