How does a campus adjust to e-scooters? Findings from a pre and post survey of users and non-users at Virginia Tech 

Abstract
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have the potential to enhance the sustainability of urban transport systems. Sustainability benefits, successful implementation, and political acceptability of e-scooters depend on e-scooter usage, rider behavior, and also perceptions and attitudes of non-users. To date, only few peer-reviewed studies report on socio-economics and demographics of e-scooter users, rider behavior, and mode shift. Moreover, only one published study reports on non-rider perceptions about e-scooters—even though this perspective is crucial for political implementation and non-user safety. In addition, all of these studies only report on one point in time and fail to report on changes in usage, behavior, or attitudes over time.
This study reports results from three-waves of user and non-user surveys in conjunction with the launch of a fleet of shared e-scooters on Virginia Tech’s campus in Blacksburg, VA. Online and intercept surveys of students, faculty, and staff assessed user behavior as well as attitudes and preferences of non-users. The survey was deployed in three cross-sectional waves in relation to the introduction of scooters: one month before introduction of e-scooters, 2 months after system launch, and finally 8 months after system launch. The goal of this study was twofold. First, we add to the body of knowledge about e-scooter usage, rider behavior, and non-user perceptions. Second, we are among the first (to our knowledge) to trace changes in e-scooter usage, rider behavior, and non-user perceptions over time.
Results of the first two waves of the survey indicated that compared to stated opinions prior to system launch: riders rode less frequently with 27% anticipating to rider more than 4 times per week, but only 11% of riders actually riding that often. Helmet usage while riding was only 4% while 30% had expected to wear helmets regularly. Moreover, a greater share of riders reported actually using e-scooters to travel between classes than expected (28% vs 22%). A greater share of users also reported riding e-scooters because they are the fastest option (25% vs. 13% anticipated) and because they are fun (19% vs. 13%). Before and after system launch 80% of respondents agreed that e-scooters are useful mobility option and that e-scooters make it easier to get around. In terms of mode replacement, e-scooters replaced a greater share of walk trips than anticipated: 80% vs 68%. While 53% of respondents thought they would drive less on campus due to e-scooter availability, only 43% reported doing so. Overall, favorability of e-scooters fell from 70% being favorable prior to launch to only 49%. Roughly, 56% of respondents anticipated that e-scooters would be parked properly, while only 51% reported this after system launch.
We also compared responses from riders and non-riders and found that positive and negative attitudes toward e-scooters correlated with whether or not they were used by respondents.

Note: the third wave of surveys will be conducted in early April. Thus, we will be able to present those results at the conference.