Document Type

Report

Publication Date

Winter 2024

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of e-scooter technology, with a focus on its environmental, economic, and social impacts, particularly within university settings at the Louisiana State University (LSU) campus. 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 analysis determined that the total CO2 emissions for an e-scooter over a five-year lifespan were approximately 389 kg, with significant reductions possible by improving the lifespan of e-scooters, integrating recycled materials, and utilizing renewable energy sources for charging batteries. The study also compared the environmental and economic impacts of e-scooters, cars, and campus shuttle buses. The LCA results indicated that cars caused the most environmental impacts due to low passengers’ occupancy, followed by e-scooters and buses. From an economic point of view, e-scooters emerged as the most cost-effective option when excluding travel time costs; however, cars were deemed more economical when travel time costs were incorporated. Additionally, a comprehensive survey was conducted to explore the characteristics and perception of e-scooters at LSU. The results revealed that undergraduate male students predominantly use e-scooters to travel short distances, primarily to commute to class and participate in student activities. Users considered e-scooters a convenient and sustainable transportation option on campus due to their speed, affordability, and accessibility, particularly for short-distance trips. This study offers valuable insights into the potential of e-scooters as an environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially acceptable micromobility mode of transportation for university communities.

Comments

Tran-SET Project 22-001-ITS

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