OA2045. E-Scooter Riding Behavior in Yerevan

Abstract Background E-scooters are a popular, eco-friendly transport option in Yerevan, with growing shared services and use for personal and delivery purposes. However, this rise has raised safety concerns, highlighting the need for better regulation of rider behavior. Methods This study analyzed 350 e-scooter drivers, both casual and delivery riders, at four Yerevan intersections between March 10 and May 5, 2024. It focused on driver type, helmet use, and behaviors like phone use and running red lights during peak hours, with each intersection observed for 1.5 to 4 hours. Results Helmet use was low (8%), with casual riders wearing helmets less frequently (3.61%) than delivery drivers (13.46%). Most drivers (92%) did not wear helmets. Running red lights was rare (1.14%), higher among delivery drivers (1.92%) than casual riders (0.52%). Most riders (74.29%) rode on sidewalks, especially casual riders (82.99%). Delivery drivers were more likely to ride on the road (36.54%). Riding with passengers was uncommon (2%), seen only among casual riders (3.61%). E-scooter use peaked on working days (55.14%), with delivery drivers more active on weekends (56.41%). Distraction occurred infrequently (1.14%), more often among casual riders (1.55%) than delivery drivers (0.64%). Conclusions The growth of e-scooter use in Yerevan, both for personal and delivery purposes, raises significant road safety concerns. This study reveals critical gaps in safety practices, including low helmet use, particularly among casual riders, and frequent sidewalk riding, which poses risks to both riders and pedestrians. Casual users were generally more prone to unsafe behaviors, but both groups require targeted interventions. These findings highlight the urgent need for public health measures such as rider education, helmet promotion, and infrastructure improvements to ensure the safe and responsible integration of e-scooters into Yerevan’s urban environment. Key messages • Low helmet use and frequent sidewalk riding among e-scooter users in Yerevan pose significant safety risks, especially for casual riders. Targeted interventions are needed to promote safer riding behaviors. • Public health measures, including rider education, helmet promotion, and infrastructure improvements, are essential to ensuring the safe integration of e-scooters into Yerevan’s urban transport system. Topic E-scooter safety, rider behavior, urban transport