Researchers from the Ramble & Co media group conducted a comprehensive study to understand how electric scooters influence pedestrian movement on sidewalks. The findings reveal that sidewalk riding by electric scooters can impede a significant portion of walkers, with approximately one third of pedestrians reporting disruption.
The survey highlights how urban residents allocate their summer travel in cities. A clear majority walk during leisure strolls, while a sizable minority rely on cars. A smaller segment explores individual mobility options, including cycles, electric scooters, and traditional skateboards. The data shows that among those who opt for personal devices, cycling accounts for a notable share, electric scooters for a smaller portion, and conventional scooters and skateboards for a modest fraction.
When examining attitudes toward different road users, about one third of pedestrians express discomfort with electric scooter operators. Additional responses indicate that a portion of the public feels annoyed by car owners, ordinary scooter riders, cyclists, and skateboarders, though these sentiments vary in intensity across groups.
Among drivers surveyed, a majority report no particular nuisance, yet a sizable minority express dislike toward electric scooters. Other groups perceived as bothersome include pedestrians, cyclists, mechanical scooter owners, and skateboarders, each contributing to a mosaic of opinions in the urban mobility landscape.
Cyclists as a group report grievances about the broader mix of road users, with pedestrians and drivers featuring prominently in their complaints. Electric scooter users, traditional scooter riders, and skateboard enthusiasts also weigh in with smaller percentages expressing dissatisfaction.
Regarding the behavior of electric scooters, a substantial share of riders themselves voice criticisms toward pedestrians, drivers, and ordinary scooter owners, reflecting a complex dynamic on shared roadways. In terms of movement patterns, a large portion of electric scooters are observed riding on sidewalks, while others navigate according to traffic flow, with some devotees preferring bike paths and a smaller portion using roads exclusively when conditions permit.
Traditional scooter owners register strong disapproval of pedestrians and electric scooters, with other grievances directed at drivers and, to a lesser extent, at skateboarders and bicyclists. A majority of these riders indicate a preference for sidewalk use, though a meaningful minority explore bike lanes or main thoroughfares whenever it suits the moment.
In the category of skateboard users, a similar trend emerges, with a notable share of the public citing electric scooters as a frequent source of friction. A portion of riders is more content with road-sharing, yet others vent frustration toward pedestrians and drivers. Perceptions of ordinary scooter and bicycle owners tend to be more favorable, featuring lower levels of negative feedback.
The Rambler & Co study was carried out across a defined metropolitan audience during a specific window in 2023, covering tens of thousands of online users to gauge broad attitudes toward micro-mobility options and sidewalk safety. The scope and detail of the responses help illuminate how city dwellers experience and respond to evolving mobility technologies. These findings serve as a snapshot of public sentiment on shared spaces and the movement choices available to urban residents. Citation: Rambler&Co, 2023 study on sidewalk safety and micro-mobility behavior.