Confronting e-scooter myths

Myth 1:

“Shared e-scooters are uncontrolled”

Reality:

Shared e-scooters are the most regulated vehicles in our cities.

Myth 2:

“E-scooters replace walking”

Reality:

The average shared
e-scooter trip is 2.8km,

compared to an average walking distance of 800m (3.5 times less) ₁

Myth 3:

“E-scooters do not replace cars or motor vehicles”

Reality:

19% of trips would have been with motor vehicles

including cars, taxis & motorcycles. ₂

More than two thirds (69%) of Dott riders that previously used cars, say they are using them less. ₃

Myth 4:

“Accidents are increasing”

Reality:

Usage is growing 2.6 x faster than accidents,

meaning that shared e-scooters are becoming safer. 

• 20 times less accidents involving e-scooters than involving mopeds. ₄
• In the majority of cases (87%) accidents are caused by motor vehicles (cars, trucks, motorcycles, vans) rather than the e-scooter user.

Myth 5:

“Shared e-scooters are a mess”

Reality:

In cities with allocated parking,
96% of e-scooters are correctly parked.

Parking technology is supported by patrollers who are on the streets to move incorrectly parked vehicles, and users who abandon scooters are fined.

Myth 6:

“Used mainly by high-earners or tourists”

Reality:

The service is widely used by young people

(71% are 18-35), with a high proportion being students (29%), ₂ who are less likely to afford private vehicles and more expensive transport modes.

At least 85% of users are local residents. ₃
The portion of tourists varies between just 10-20% depending on the month.

Myth 7:

“Scooters are not sustainable. The vehicles only last a few weeks.“

Reality:

Current fleets are expected to last at least five years

thanks to careful maintenance

• E-scooters use 10 x less energy than an electric moped, and 100 x less than an electric car.
• The carbon footprint of an e-scooter trip is equivalent to a trip on an electric bus.
• E-scooters also do not generate noise pollution.

Myth 8:

“Shared e-scooters are expensive”

Reality:

The average trip price (€2) is lower than a metro ticket, ₅

with the added convenience of taking you exactly where you need to go. Monthly passes offer greater value for regular users, averaging around €1 per trip.

Myth 9:

“Operators rely on gig economy workers”

Reality:

Dott has rejected the gig economy since the beginning,

and its services are operated by in-house teams on full time contracts who are equipped and trained for specialist roles.

Myth 10:

“Shared and private e-scooters are the same”

Reality:

There is no obligation for private scooters to have the same controls as shared fleets: 

• Unrestricted speeds 
• Insurance is dependent on the user
• Wheels vary by model
• License plates not necessary
• No age verification
• No obligation for regular maintenance
• No safety measures around batteries
• Little or no recycling of parts and vehicles