Evaluation of E-Scooter and Automobile Driver’s Perceived Safety and Comfort during Overtaking Based on Field Driving Tests

Abstract

In recent years, the use of e-scooters has accelerated in Japan, and sharing services have become widespread, especially in urban areas. However, the desirable cross-sectional configuration of roads for this situation has not been sufficiently discussed. This study aimed to evaluate the perceived safety and comfort of e-scooter and automobile drivers during overtaking. Accordingly, we conducted driving tests where an automobile overtook an e-scooter on an experimental roadway with various cross-sectional configurations. Results showed that the lateral passing distance between the e-scooter and automobile during overtaking affected the driver’s evaluation of their safety and comfort, and the degree of influence was the same as that between a bicycle and an automobile. In particular, the drivers preferred lateral passing distances of at least 1.0 to 1.2 m. Thus, we suggest that a minimum road space should be provided to maintain this lateral passing distance.