Exploring the Gender Gap in Electric Scooter and e-bike Usage among Students

Since the early 2010s, electric scooters and e-bikes have been growing in popularity as a mode of transportation. They offer a clean, green, and affordable option for getting around, and have been shown to help reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions. However, there remains a significant gender gap in electric scooter and e-bike usage among students.

In a recent study, it was found that only 19% of electric scooter users and 14% of e-bike users are women. This gender gap is even more pronounced in certain countries, such as the United States, where only 9% of electric scooter users and 4% of e-bike users are women. There are a number of possible explanations for this discrepancy.

One possibility is that electric scooters and e-bikes are perceived as being more dangerous for women. This may be due to the fact that they are often used in busy urban areas, and there have been a number of high-profile accidents involving electric scooters. In addition, electric scooters and e-bikes are often associated with masculine stereotypes, such as being “tough” or “adventurous.” This may make women feel as though they are not welcome in the electric scooter and e-bike community, and deter them from using these modes of transportation.

Another possibility is that women are simply not as aware of electric scooters and e-bikes as men. This lack of awareness may be due to the fact that electric scooters and e-bikes are often marketed to men. For example, many electric scooter and e-bike companies use male-centric marketing materials, such as pictures of men using their products. In addition, electric scooter and e-bike companies often sponsor male-dominated events, such as action sports competitions. This marketing strategy may make women feel as though electric scooters and e-bikes are not meant for them, and discourage them from using these modes of transportation.

Finally, it is possible that the cost of electric scooters and e-bikes is a barrier for women. Electric scooters and e-bikes can be expensive, and women may be less likely than men to have the disposable income necessary to purchase one. In addition, electric scooters and e-bikes may be less accessible to women than men, as they are often located in male-dominated areas, such as tech startups.

The gender gap in electric scooter and e-bike usage is a problem that needs to be addressed. Electric scooters and e-bikes offer a clean, green, and affordable option for getting around, and they have the potential to help reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions. However, the gender gap in electric scooter and e-bike usage means that these benefits are not being realized by half of the population.

There are a number of possible explanations for the gender gap in electric scooter and e-bike usage. One possibility is that electric scooters and e-bikes are perceived as being more dangerous for women. Another possibility is that women are simply not as aware of electric scooters and e-bikes as men. Finally, it is possible that the cost of electric scooters and e-bikes is a barrier for women.

The gender gap in electric scooter and e-bike usage is a problem that needs to be addressed. There are a number of ways to do this, such as increasing women’s awareness of electric scooters and e-bikes, and making these modes of transportation more affordable and accessible to women.

Aug 06, 2023