eRideables and their impact transport in Perth

The use of eRideables in Perth was the focus of a recently completed research project by the University of Western Australia. Supported by the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure, the research advanced understanding of who uses eRideables and why and how they interact with the transport network.

Introduction

Electric ridable devices (eRideables) have rapidly become an increasingly popular way to get around in urban areas. eRideables can aid mobility in our communities without need for a car and enhance access to public transport. By avoiding car trips, eRideables can reduce traffic and parking congestion as well as air and noise pollution.

For this project, researchers used the classification of eRideables as per the Western Australian Road Safety Commission, which includes eScooters, eSkateboards, hoverboards, eUnicycles, eWheels and eSkates, but excludes eBikes.

As part of the work, a comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on eRideables and their integration within the transport system and the built environment, including travel behaviours, mode adoption, and safety concerns.

Content analysis of the literature identified several key areas of interest which included:

• transport connectivity;
• safety;
• Regulation;
• infrastructure; and
• rider demographics.

Surveys

Intercepr survey

On-site feedback from users was collected at 14 Perth sites, selected based on location, function, and level of activity. The sites were monitored over a one-week period.

The surveys provided information on users and their travel patterns, as well as perceived enablers and barriers for eRideable use. Surveys were complemented with observation of users on the path network.

Online survey

An online survey accompanied the intercept survey, enabling 105 respondents who were unable to stop and speak with the research team to share their views.

Together, the surveys provided a nuanced understanding of participants’ motivations, attitudes, experiences, and demographic characteristics.

Amongst findings, researchers established:

• More than three-quarters of respondents were male
• 30% were between 25-35 years old, and 15% were over 55
• Over 90% of the respondents used eScooters, others used different eRideables
• Over 60% of participants considered infrastructure to be inadequate.

Experiential survey

The project adapted the OpenPATH mobile phone application to collect detailed travel patterns and behaviours. No extensive user input was required, with data collected via passive smartphone sensing. The technology generated detailed summaries of user travel behaviours over a selected period of time and provided valuable insight into mobility behaviour. Users checked trip details to ensure accurate results.

A substantial number of people signed up and expressed interest in participating, however conversion rate for participants was disappointingly low.

This lack of participation is a common issue for app-based data collection. Potential reasons for low participation with this project: insufficient incentive to participate, privacy concerns, and apprehension about how trip data may be used.

Parliamentary enquiry

Recruitment challenges for the surveys led researchers to undertake a thorough analysis of the 239 submissions to the Parliament of Western Australia’s 2025 inquiry into the Safety, Regulation and Penalties Associated with the Use of eRideables.

The submissions represented a broad array of interested parties.

Researchers sorted submissions into three broad groups:

• Negative – primarily from the general public, community groups, insurance companies, local governments and others
• Neutral – mainly from institutional and sectoral stakeholders
• Positive – predominantly members of the public, eRideable users and eScooter manufacturers.

The analysis highlighted common and contrasting concerns from across submissions to the inquiry. Key insights were identified to add to consideration of the implications of eRideables in the Perth context.

Conclusions and recommendations

This work confirms eRideables have a growing role in urban mobility. Their benefits as a transport mode include enjoyment, convenience, cost effectiveness and low environmental impact.

People who use eRideables value the mode for short (<8 km) door-to-door trips and enjoy how they provide freedom and flexibility, removing the need to drive on congested roads.

There are however challenges to address if eRideables are to fully contribute to  sustainable mobility in Perth.

The research team recommended action to:

• Further engage with eRideable users about their experiences
• Educate for safe use of eRideables and encourage mutual consideration amongst all modes
• Improve infrastructure to accommodate eRideables while reducing safety issues
• Develop policy and regulatory response to evolving eRideable technology and use patterns.

For eRideables to meet their full potential, a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach is needed to promote equity, inclusion and safety.

Expected project impacts

There is a lot of public and policy interest in eRideables. The research by UWA has built a fuller picture of how, why and where eRideables are being used in Perth. We are drawing on insights from this project as we work to better integrate this new mobility technology in our transport system.

Michelle Prior, Director Active Transport, Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure

Download the report

Click the button below to download a copy of the project’s final report, Impacts of e-rideables on the transport task in Perth.