Data from the city's e-scooter pilot program show that they might be filling in the first-mile/last-mile gap for riders at all income levels.
Lynda Lopez writes about a new report from DePaul University researchers about e-scooter usage in Chicago during a pilot project that is scheduled to run to mid-October. The study takes a closer look at one day of data collected every two minutes in July.
It finds that operators are generally deploying fewer than the 250 scooters allowed. "Some reasons for numbers being lower than the maximum levels were offered in the study, which included higher-than-expected maintenance issues or a desire from operators to focus on particularly geographic areas," notes Lopez.
Usage during peak hours suggests that riders are using the devices to travel to and from transit stations and stops. The analysis also shows that scooters are not just being used in affluent neighborhoods in Chicago. In some low-income parts of the city, the number of scooters remained above 40 percent.
"The study provided some promising data about the presence of e-scooters and their potential to be an asset for communities underserved by Divvy and transit," adds Lopez.
FULL STORY: DePaul Study: Scooters Are Being Used for Trips to Transit, and in Low-Income Areas
Lessons From Five Years of E-Scooters
As cities continue to adapt micromobility regulations to address new devices and technologies, what can we learn from Chicago's five years of e-scooter pilots?
Micromobility Makes a Comeback
Decreased public transit ridership is bringing some transit agencies to consider partnerships with micromobility corporations.
Chicago Sees Record Shared Bike, Scooter Use
Riders took over 11 million bike share and scooter trips in 2024.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research