Recent research published in the Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering has shed light on the safety concerns surrounding e-scooters, a rapidly growing mode of transport in European cities. Led by Michael Hardinghaus from the German Aerospace Center’s Institute of Transport Research in Berlin, this study aims to identify hazard hotspots where conflicts and crashes involving e-scooters are most likely to occur.
As e-scooter sharing schemes gain popularity, incidents of accidents and injuries have raised alarms about their safety. Traditionally, research on this topic has focused on analyzing crash data and injury patterns, but Hardinghaus and his team have taken a more nuanced approach. By combining expert interviews, online surveys, and quantitative analyses of various data sources, they have developed a comprehensive method to pinpoint locations with potentially dangerous interactions in Berlin’s active mobility landscape.
The study reveals that many conflicts between e-scooters and pedestrians stem from improperly parked e-scooters. Furthermore, it indicates that e-scooter usage is concentrated in the inner city along specific routes, raising concerns about safety in these high-traffic areas. Hardinghaus notes, “Knowledge of hazard hotspots is crucial when investigating risk levels and improving safety for all road users.”
The research utilizes three distinct datasets: official crash data to identify hotspots, smartphone acceleration sensor data from cyclists to locate sudden movements, and trip data from e-scooter sharing operators. This multifaceted approach allows researchers to gather a wealth of information, which culminates in an expert workshop aimed at identifying nine specific hazard hotspots in Berlin.
The implications of this research extend beyond safety. For e-scooter operators and city planners, understanding where conflicts occur can inform better infrastructure decisions, such as designated parking areas and improved signage. This could lead to enhanced user experience and potentially increase ridership, benefiting the micromobility sector economically.
Moreover, as cities look to integrate e-scooters into their transportation networks, this research presents an opportunity for tech companies to innovate solutions for safer e-scooter usage, such as smart parking systems or real-time monitoring apps that alert users to potential hazards.
In summary, the work of Hardinghaus and his team not only addresses pressing safety concerns but also opens up commercial opportunities for various sectors involved in urban mobility. The findings underscore the importance of data-driven approaches in enhancing road safety and shaping the future of micromobility in urban settings.
