Confronting e-scooter myths

1 year ago

Myth 1:

“Shared e-scooters are uncontrolled”


Reality:

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

In collaboration with the cities we operate in, we can implement:

  • Speed restrictions, which are lowered in heavily pedestrian areas
  • Age restrictions
  • License plates on vehicles
  • Parking in dedicated spaces
  • Insurance on 100% of trips

These measures aren’t in place on personal e-scooters, bikes, motorcycles or cars.  Cities already regulating e-scooters include Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Oslo, Rome, Stockholm, Warsaw.

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

 

Notes
1 Based on WeWard data from Paris
2 Based on research commissioned by Paris City Hall in Spring 2022
3 Based on Dott rider research
4 AXA study based on claims data between 2019 and 2022
5 Compared against Paris metro ticket cost of €2.10

Hop on board!

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