ISSUES AND SUGGESTIONS FROM EXPERTS IN OVERSEAS CITIES BASED ON THEIR CONCERNS ABOUT THE E-SCOOTER SHARING INTRODUCTIONS AND OPERATIONS

Abstract

 This study interviewed 12 experts from overseas cities with the aim of learning from examples in overseas countries about the impact of electric kickboard sharing on the public, and to assist in the consideration of policies for the full-scale introduction of the system in Japan. As a result, several experts indicated that a night-time ban on electric kickboards is effective as a measure to prevent drunk driving, that sidewalk riding is undesirable for pedestrian safety and stress, and that they had issues with traffic education on electric kickboards but were looking for specific educational entities and methods. Other issues of particular interest indicated that “Restrictions should be set on the entry of operators”, “It is uncertain whether this mobility is really a sustainable vehicle” and “Helmet use is strongly recommended based on patient data regarding accidents”, which should be newly or continuously discussed in the future.