Integrated Sustainability Analysis of a Shared Micro-Mobility System in University Campus: Life-Cycle Assessment and User Impact Study of Electric Scooters

The objective of this study is to evaluate the environmental, economic, and social impacts of implementing e-scooter technology on the LSU campus. The study is structured into three main parts: (1) an environmental life-cycle assessment of e-scooters, (2) a comparative environmental and economic impact assessment of e-scooters, cars, and campus shuttle buses, and (3) a comprehensive survey of e-scooter users to assess their characteristics, satisfaction levels, and comfort while using e-scooters on the LSU campus. To achieve the objectives of the study, a life-cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to assess the environmental sustainability of e-scooters, encompassing all stages from raw materials acquisition to end-of-life. The study also compared the environmental and economic impacts of e-scooters, cars, and campus shuttle buses. Furthermore, a comprehensive survey was conducted to explore the characteristics and perception of e-scooters at LSU. The survey assessed the main characteristics of users, including demographic profiles, e-scooter usage patterns, satisfaction levels, and comfort levels while using e-scooters. Results showed that the environmental impact of e-scooters is primarily driven by their production and manufacturing processes, as well as the use of conventional sources of electricity for charging. Extending the lifespan of e-scooters, integrating recycled materials, and utilizing renewable energy sources for charging can substantially mitigate their overall environmental impacts. Environmental impacts comparisons through LCA between e-scooters, cars, and buses indicated that buses had the lowest environmental footprints among the three transportation modes in terms of GWP, and e-scooters had the lowest environmental footprints in terms of terrestrial acidification and ozone formation. Cars had significantly higher environmental impacts than e-scooters, with the use phase being the dominant contributor due to the fuel consumption during the operation. In terms of economic impacts, without considering travel time costs, e-scooters were the most cost-effective option, followed by buses, with cars being the least cost-effective. When travel time costs were included, cars were the most economical travel mode. The extended travel times for buses and e-scooters, influenced by waiting times for users to reach the university campus from their residences, made these modes less economical. Results of the users’ survey showed that in a campus environment, e-scooter users are predominantly undergraduate male students, primarily utilizing them to commute to and from classes and attend student activities. Students favor e-scooters for short distances and quick travel times, emphasizing their suitability for first and last-mile travel. Additionally, e-scooters are considered a versatile mode of transportation, although students primarily use them to reach their academic commitments promptly. The majority of users perceive e-scooters as safe as biking. The popularity of e-scooters among users was attributed to their speed in reaching destinations, affordability, and convenience. However, addressing safety concerns, infrastructure development, and enhancing the availability of e-scooters around campus are recommended steps. Based on the results of this study, it is concluded that e-scooters are an effective transportation option, offering a versatile, sustainable, and affordable mode of travel, with students primarily using them to reach their academic commitments promptly. The majority of users perceive e-scooters to be as safe as biking, and while some express safety concerns, most users are confident in using e-scooters. The findings of this study should be used to optimize the operation of e-scooters around campus.