Comparing the risky behaviours of shared and private e-scooter and bicycle riders in downtown Brisbane, Australia

Electric scooter (e-scooter) use has increased internationally, with concerns about injuries to riders and pedestrians, reports of non-use helmets, excessive speed, drink-riding underage riding. E-scooter regulations vary widely among jurisdictions, likely effects on the extent nature safety issues. This study was conducted in downtown Brisbane, Australia, where e-scooters must be ridden footpath, bicycles are allowed road helmet is mandatory for bicycle e-scooter all ages. It examined involvement illegal risky behaviours, interactions pedestrians. Shared private e-scooters, shared were compared assess relative influences type vehicle use. Observations at six sites Brisbane February 2019 recorded 711 90 274 2788 bicycles. Illegal riding (not wearing a helmet, road, or carrying passenger) more prevalent than (49.6 % vs. 12.2 %). Non-use helmets common (38.6 %, OR = 20.995, p < .001) (18.8 10.994, (1.5 %); occurred often footpath (20.1 1.8 3.004, .001); between 2 4 pm 7 9a.m. (21.3 5.5 1.711, .01). More half quarter 40 within 1 m least one pedestrian. When there pedestrians m, conflict rates ranged from zero 1.5 no collisions observed. At non-use, results suggest that behaviours users schemes, this difference accentuated e-scooters. Interactions but conflicts rarely occur Further observational survey studies recommended better understand factors influencing perceptions The knowledge gained these needs integrated injury outcome data determine appropriateness rules maximum speeds locations terms both rider pedestrian safety.