Evaluating the Short-Term Sustainability of Shared E-Scooters: A Usage-Centered Approach

Abstract

Recent years have seen a sharp rise in the use of shared electric scooters, which is indicative of a significant change in usage patterns. However, due to their emergence, their sustainability impacts are not well known. This necessitates studies examining the potential life cycle impacts of such technologies. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis is to propose a life cycle sustainability assessment of shared e-scooters with an emphasis on utilization rate. The research used global multiregional input-output analysis to assess macro-level sustainability implications related to production, transportation, operation, and end-of-life phases. According to the study, manufacturing has the greatest environmental effect and is the most vulnerable life-cycle phase in the majority of the sustainability impact categories. Additionally, the study concludes that the use rate of e-scooters is critical to maximizing the intended sustainability advantages of this emerging technology. When usage grows, the environmental effect per passenger kilometer traveled can be greatly decreased, whereas social and economic impacts are also enhanced. The need for regular collection and distribution of shared e-scooters leads to higher environmental, social, and economic ramifications when personal and shared e-scooters are utilized at the same rate.