User Profile-Based Comparison of Improvement Expectations in Shared E-Scooter Systems
Bildiriler > Tam Metin Bildiri
Yazarlar: İlknur Türker, Yalçın ALVER, Derya Azik Özkan
International Conference on Road and Rail Infrastructure, , , Uluslararası, Tam Metin Bildiri, cilt 9, ss 751-758
DOI: 10.5592/co/cetra.2026.1848
Özet
Demand for shared e-scooter systems has increased. However, despite their rapid expansion, these systems are still used primarily for recreational purposes rather than as a full transportation mode. Insufficient legal regulations and deficiencies in infrastructure and equipment contribute to safety-related concerns, and e-scooter accidents are increasing. Understanding the expectations of different user profiles from the system is important both for enhancing system reliability and reducing accident risk. The present study aimed to evaluate the expectations of both current and potential users regarding system improvements across demographic characteristics, using the “Willingness to Use Shared E-Scooter Systems Following Improvements Scale”, which was developed and psychometrically validated by the authors. Data were collected from 486 participants (208 users, 278 non-users) in İzmir, Turkey, through a face-to-face survey using a convenience sampling approach. Findings revealed that different user profiles have distinct priorities within the scale’s two-factor structure. Current system users scored significantly higher on the first factor, which includes incentives for infrastructure, accessibility, and cost, while potential users scored significantly higher on the second factor, which includes incentives for safety and institutional regulations. Demographic analyses showed that women placed greater importance on the safety factor than men did, while younger individuals placed greater emphasis on the infrastructure factor. Education level did not show significant differences between factors. Notably, 78.4% of potential users reported that they would consider using the system if the proposed improvements were implemented. In conclusion, improving safety standards, equipment quality, and legal regulations is necessary to attract women and older individuals to the system, while solving infrastructure and accessibility problems is required to increase usage among the existing young and male user profile. Addressing these differentiated expectations may facilitate the transformation of shared e-scooter systems from predominantly recreational options into integral components of sustainable urban transportation systems.