Understanding the Relationships Among E-scooter Ridership, Transit Desert Index, and Health-Related Factors

Abstract: This study examines electric scooter (e-scooter) markets in U.S. transit deserts and oases, focusing on Austin, Chicago, Portland, and Minneapolis. Through t-tests, we compared e-scooter ride frequencies in these areas. Results show no significant difference in ride numbers between transit deserts and oases in Austin, Chicago, and Portland. Transit index scores were top predictors of trips in Austin, Minneapolis, and Portland, while health-related factors played a key role in Chicago.