Determinants of the travel satisfaction of e-scooter users

Abstract

This paper seeks to fill in the current evidence gap on the relationship between travel satisfaction and e-scooter use. To do so, online survey data from e-scooter users of a University community in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece were collected and statistically analyzed. In line with previous research on travel satisfaction, the results of a series of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses unveiled the potential of factors surrounding positive activation, positive deactivation, and cognitive evaluation to serve as key determinants of satisfaction of e-scooter riders. Furthermore, a structural equation model (SEM) was estimated to identify the impact of user- and trip-related characteristics on travel satisfaction. The results of the SEM showed that older and high-income riders, those with good self-reported physical condition, riders of private e-scooters and leisure travelers are more likely to perceive greater satisfaction by the use of their e-scooters. The findings of this study overall contribute to the current state-of-knowledge relating to travel satisfaction and pave the way for potential policy actions that could improve users’ experience with e-scooters and enhance the overall attractiveness of micromobility in the pathway towards sustainable and inclusive mobility.