Rental e-scooter trials research

We are carrying out research to understand the views and experiences of rental e-scooter users and residents in areas rental e-scooter trial areas.

About the study

The Department for Transport (DfT) has asked the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) and Arup to carry out this research as part of their second national evaluation of the rental e-scooter trials taking place across England.

The research aims to understand experiences and views of e-scooters among users and residents in trial areas. It will help the DfT to understand the impact e-scooters are having and how differences in the way trials are run locally may impact e-scooter uptake and usage.

If you decide to take part:

  • We will ask you about a range of topics, including whether you have used an e-scooter in the past and why, what you think about e-scooters, and your experiences of e-scooters in your local area.
  • Any personal data we collect will be stored securely and will not be shared with anyone outside of the research team.
  • Your participation will be anonymous, this means we will not tell anyone else that you took part, and we will not include answers which could identify you in the findings we share with DfT.

What are e-scooters?

An e-scooter, or electric scooter, is a two-wheeled scooter with an electric motor.

Escooter IMAGE

The government is running trials of rental e-scooters in selected trial areas. For more information on the e-scooter trials, please read the DfT’s guidance on using a rental e-scooter.

What will taking part involve?

You have been invited to take part in our research among:

  • People who have rented e-scooters (user research), or
  • People who live in an area where an e-scooter trial is happening (resident research).

Please check your information email or text message to confirm which type of research you are invited to.

For more information on how your data will be used, please read our Privacy Notice.

Contact us

If you have any further questions or would like to discuss the research, please contact us using the details below:

How do I know this research is genuine?

If you wish to verify the authenticity of any texts, emails or telephone calls that you receive from external research organisations about this research with NatCen, you may contact us using the details above. You can also verify the authenticity of this research by contacting the DfT at: micromobility@dft.gov.uk.