E-Scooter Programs

Given e-scooters’ recent introduction into US cities, this study explores the current state of practice of integrating e-scooters into urban travel infrastructure, including pilot program structures, applicable State and local regulations, access and equity concerns, and other aspects of managing e-scooters in urban contexts. The goal of this white paper is to identify best practices for incorporating e-scooters as micromobility options in New Jersey communities. This study highlights e-scooter best practices that govern user accessibility/user trends, safety data, and right-of-way regulations. Details on each of the city’s e-scooter program are provided in an Appendix.  The recent New Jersey law is presented,  which defines, and, to some extent, regulates e-scooters. Lastly, key findings are and concerns identified for consideration by New Jersey communities in adopting e-scooter share programs.

For this analysis, eleven US cities that have piloted or are piloting an e-scooter program were evaluated. Cities were selected to reflect geographic variation and to represent the experiences of both large and smaller urban areas. Cities were also selected based on the availability of information on current or recent pilot efforts. As e-scooter share pilots proliferate and transition to permanent programs in US cities, the following questions and initiatives should be considered and advanced:

• E-scooter Safety Enforcement/Education Strategies
• E-scooter Share & Sustainability Benefits
• Data Standards & Aggregation
• Integration of Equitable Access Goals & Targets
• Integration of Micromobility Needs into Cities’ Infrastructure Networks