Semester of Graduation
Fall 2024
Degree
Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE)
Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
The objective of this study is to evaluate the environmental, economic, and social impacts of implementing e-scooter technology on the LSU campus. The study is structured into three main parts: (1) an environmental life-cycle assessment of e-scooters, (2) a comparative environmental and economic impact assessment of e-scooters, cars, and campus shuttle buses, and (3) a comprehensive survey of e-scooter users to assess their characteristics, satisfaction levels, and comfort while using e-scooters on the LSU campus.
To achieve the objectives of the study, a life-cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to assess the environmental sustainability of e-scooters, encompassing all stages from raw materials acquisition to end-of-life. The study also compared the environmental and economic impacts of e-scooters, cars, and campus shuttle buses. Furthermore, a comprehensive survey was conducted to explore the characteristics and perception of e-scooters at LSU. The survey assessed the main characteristics of users, including demographic profiles, e-scooter usage patterns, satisfaction levels, and comfort levels while using e-scooters.
Results showed that the environmental impact of e-scooters is primarily driven by their production and manufacturing processes, as well as the use of conventional sources of electricity for charging. Extending the lifespan of e-scooters, integrating recycled materials, and utilizing renewable energy sources for charging can substantially mitigate their overall environmental impacts. Environmental impacts comparisons through LCA between e-scooters, cars, and buses indicated that buses had the lowest environmental footprints among the three transportation modes in terms of GWP, and e-scooters had the lowest environmental footprints in terms of terrestrial acidification and ozone formation. Cars had significantly higher environmental impacts than e-scooters, with the use phase being the dominant contributor due to the fuel consumption during the operation.
In terms of economic impacts, without considering travel time costs, e-scooters were the most cost-effective option, followed by buses, with cars being the least cost-effective. When travel time costs were included, cars were the most economical travel mode. The extended travel times for buses and e-scooters, influenced by waiting times for users to reach the university campus from their residences, made these modes less economical.
Results of the users’ survey showed that in a campus environment, e-scooter users are predominantly undergraduate male students, primarily utilizing them to commute to and from classes and attend student activities. Students favor e-scooters for short distances and quick travel times, emphasizing their suitability for first and last-mile travel. Additionally, e-scooters are considered a versatile mode of transportation, although students primarily use them to reach their academic commitments promptly. The majority of users perceive e-scooters as safe as biking. The popularity of e-scooters among users was attributed to their speed in reaching destinations, affordability, and convenience. However, addressing safety concerns, infrastructure development, and enhancing the availability of e-scooters around campus are recommended steps.
Based on the results of this study, it is concluded that e-scooters are an effective transportation option, offering a versatile, sustainable, and affordable mode of travel, with students primarily using them to reach their academic commitments promptly. The majority of users perceive e-scooters to be as safe as biking, and while some express safety concerns, most users are confident in using e-scooters. The findings of this study should be used to optimize the operation of e-scooters around campus.
Date
11-22-2024
Recommended Citation
Chowdhury, Md Afif Rahman, "Integrated Sustainability Analysis of a Shared Micro-Mobility System in University Campus: Life-Cycle Assessment and User Impact Study of Electric Scooters" (2024). LSU Master's Theses. 6069.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/6069
Committee Chair
Elseifi, Mostafa