Authors
Jose, Davis; Nangah Mankaa, Rose
Abstract
Micro-mobility is introduced as a practical usability, fulfilling voyagers’ requirements for adaptability, customized portability with a low environmental effect, and high social consideration potential. This paper explores the sustainability potential of E-Scooter in the city of Aachen, especially among university students, given the apparent growth in its number. Aachen is a student city with more than fifty thousand registered students from various countries. In this paper, we look into the use of shared and private e-scooters, defined as “scooters with a standing design with a handlebar, deck, and wheels that are propelled by an electric motor with the energy stored in the battery”. A survey was conducted among the student community, with a response from 118 participants. The survey was completed after reaching the minimum sample size which is calculated based on the current population of university students in Aachen. Results from the survey show that most respondents consider the use of E-scooter as not environmentally sustainable, which is the major reason discouraging students from using e-scooter. Consequently, this mode of mobility seems not to have much future especially in the city of Aachen and similar settings. This investigation also identified that the percentage of e-scooter that replaces private internal combustion vehicles should increase from 2% to 27% to combat Greenhouse Gas emissions from its different stages like manufacturing, assembly, collection and distribution, transportation to end-users, and end of life. Several social and economic considerations must be tackled by city council by enforcing stringent regulations and improving facilities, as well as by service providers offering improved service by increasing commuter and pedestrian protection, lowering ticket rates, use of renewable energy, use of vehicles with no tailpipe emission and providing weather-independent commuting opportunities to increase the share of e-scooter use.