E-scooter associated with riskier riding behaviors.
According to research examining how riding experience affects hazard perception and response, frequent e-scooter riders are more prone to engaging in risky and illegal riding behaviors.
The statistics
In a first-of-its-kind study, psychologists from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) used custom video-based tests featuring real e-scooter footage captured from the rider’s perspective.
More than 185 participants were evaluated on their ability to anticipate hazards and their willingness to engage in risky riding behaviors, including running red lights, overtaking, and speeding.
Riding experience was measured by both the number of months spent riding and the frequency of use.
Findings revealed that greater riding experience did not correlate with improved hazard perception or risk assessment. In fact, frequent riders reported a higher rate of illegal riding behaviors compared to less frequent riders, particularly in situations involving overtaking and speeding—though this trend did not apply to running red lights.
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Riding behaviour
Dr Petya Ventsislavova, lead researcher and senior lecturer at NTU’s School of Social Sciences, said: “A possible reason for this risk taking could be that increased riding experience leads riders to become more confident in their skills rather than more cautious, making them more inclined to engage in risky riding behaviours.
“However, all participants reported a tendency to engage in risky behaviour, perhaps reflecting the widely-held perception that e-scooters are less serious and dangerous than other modes of transport.”
The research also emphasised that using e-scooters for short trips might restrict riders’ exposure to different situations, which could hinder the development of their hazard and risk awareness skills.
Why the sudden rise in e-scooters is a problem
Dr Ventsislavova added: “E-scooter riders often use these vehicles for short trips in city centres, typically along familiar routes with predictable environments that don’t challenge their hazard prediction abilities. This means that even frequent riding during these short trips may not offer enough opportunities to improve their skills, which could explain the connection between riding frequency and a willingness to take risk.
“The rapid global adoption of e-scooters, introduced with relatively short notice and without safety guidance or clear regulations, may also have led to an optimism bias among riders, where they believe they are more skilled and less likely to face negative events.
“Without official e-scooter training and standard safety guidelines, there’s no clear definition of proficient riding skills, especially cognitive ones. Consequently, riders may use personal judgment to determine what is risky and what constitutes a hazard.”
