“I’ll Take the E‐Scooter Instead of My Car” - The Potential of E‐Scooters as a Substitute for Car Trips in Germany

Abstract

Considering the controversial discussion about the sustainability and usefulness of e‐ scooters, in this study, we analyzed the substitution potential of e‐scooters, especially with regard to car trips. Based on data from the national mobility survey in Germany (Mobility in Germany, MiD 2017), we identified trips that could be covered purely by an e‐scooter. Thereby, trip length, trip purposes, weather conditions, and other influencing factors were taken into account. Our anal‐ ysis showed that, in Germany, 10–15% of the motorized individual transport (MIT) trips could be made by e‐scooter. Accompanied by a literature analysis, we then critically reflected on the overall potential of e‐scooters and formulated recommendations for urban and transport planning.