Municipal Perspectives and Best Practices for Equitable Shared E-Scooter Programs

Shared dockless electric scooter (e-scooter) programs are rapidly expanding in municipalities throughout U.S. and Canadian cities. Programs are implemented with regulations set out in policy documents. As municipalities adopt programs with transportation goals in mind, there are potential equity implications to tackle transportation inequities sustainably. This study integrates the perspectives of 22 municipal practitioners working on shared e-scooter programs with best practices set out in 5 policy documents with effective regulations. Key themes between practice and policy and lessons for the equitable municipal implementation of shared e-scooter programs are determined. The results show that through good policy that considers lessons learned by municipal staff managing relations with operators, shared e-scooter programs can offer an equitable and sustainable mobility choice. Recommendations are made to intrigue and assist municipal shared e-scooter practitioners in creating equitable and sustainable shared e-scooter programs.