Analyzing micromobility patterns: A gender perspective on behavior and risk perception

• Gender-based speed differences among micromobility users were analysed. • The influence of gender on risk perception among micromobility users was examined. • Young riders and e-scooter users travel faster than adults, elderly individuals, and cyclists. • Females tend to ride further away from motorized traffic compared to males. • Speed is lower on sidewalk bike lanes than on road bike lanes. The use of micromobility vehicles, particularly e-scooters and bicycles, has seen significant growth in recent years, yet gender differences in usage patterns, behavior, and risk perception remain underexplored. This study aims to address this gap by analyzing gender-based differences in micromobility usage across various cycling infrastructures in Valencia, Spain. Several factors, such as speed, lateral positioning, and risk perception among male and female users of personal bicycles, public bike-sharing systems, and e-scooters, have been examined. Data was collected through video recordings across six different bike lanes. The results reveal that men tend to ride faster than women, particularly when using personal bicycles, though the differences in speed are minimal, especially for e-scooter users. Additionally, women exhibit a greater preference for riding farther from motorized traffic, especially in areas with higher traffic volume and speed. These findings highlight the importance of considering gender-specific needs in the design of micromobility infrastructure to improve safety and encourage broader usage, particularly among women. This study provides empirical evidence of gendered behaviors in micromobility use and offers practical recommendations for urban planners and policymakers.