In the bustling streets of modern cities, a silent revolution is underway. Electric scooter sharing services (ESS) are popping up everywhere, promising to slash urban congestion and carbon emissions. But while the operational side of these services has been extensively studied, one crucial aspect has been largely overlooked: the users themselves. A groundbreaking study published in ‘Cleaner and Responsible Consumption’ (translated from Chinese as ‘Clean and Responsible Consumption’) aims to change that, putting the customer front and center in the quest for sustainable urban micromobility.
Led by Sirirat Sae Lim of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Taiwan, the research develops a comprehensive framework for ESS, integrating four key dimensions and 16 criteria identified through a meticulous literature review and expert interviews. The goal? To create a data-driven approach that prioritizes user satisfaction, infrastructure adequacy, and strategic planning.
The study employs a trio of sophisticated methods to evaluate user preferences and the interdependencies among the identified dimensions. Satisfaction and Attention Analysis (SAA) helps pinpoint what users really want. The Network Relation Map (NRM) visualizes the complex relationships between different factors. And the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method digs deep into the strategic priorities, revealing how each factor influences the others.
“Traditionally, ESS providers have focused on operational efficiency,” says Sae Lim. “But to truly succeed, they need to understand and prioritize what users value most. That’s where our framework comes in.”
The implications for the energy sector are significant. As cities increasingly adopt ESS, the demand for clean, reliable energy sources will surge. By understanding and meeting user needs, service providers can drive demand for green energy, accelerating the transition to a sustainable future.
Moreover, the framework offers practical guidance for policymakers and service providers. By systematically evaluating user preferences and strategic priorities, they can make informed decisions about service quality, infrastructure planning, and user engagement. This could lead to more effective ESS development strategies, ultimately advancing sustainable urban micromobility.
But the potential impact doesn’t stop at ESS. The methods and principles outlined in this study could be applied to other shared mobility services, from bike-sharing to car-sharing. As Sirirat Sae Lim puts it, “The future of urban transportation is shared, sustainable, and user-centered. Our framework is a step towards making that future a reality.”
As cities continue to grapple with congestion and pollution, the need for sustainable, user-friendly micromobility solutions has never been greater. This research offers a roadmap for creating ESS that truly serve the people who use them, paving the way for a cleaner, greener urban future.