Australian Women Quicker to Embrace E-Scooters

E-Scooters in Australia are progressively overcoming a gender divide, moving from ‘boys toys’ to a mainstream transport option, according to a recent study.

The study by e-scooter share service provider Neuron Mobility found 59% of its customers are male, compared to 40% female (one percent preferred not to specify), according to survey data from more than 10,000 Neuron riders in the company’s key international markets.

It said the data, collected between April 2021 and June 2023, was consistent in Australia, NZ and Canada.

It found a wider gender gap in the UK, where men comprised 75% of customers and women represented only 23%.

An analysis of e-scooter and dockless bikes share data in the US revealed a similar picture, with 75% of trips on micromobility made by men.’

However, the same US analysis showed 72% of surveyed women had a positive view of e-scooters, compared to 67% of male respondents.

With studies in numerous countries showing women are more risk averse in relation to riding – or not riding – e-scooters, the Neuron study emphasised the need for scooter and infrastructure design to consider the particular needs and expectations of existing and potential female scooter riders.

While Australia’s nationwide figures had a higher proportion of female riders, the shift towards greater female patronage was even more pronounced in Townsville.

It had the largest percentage of female riders globally, representing 56% of all Neuron scooter rides in the Far North Queensland city.

Neuron says the study, Bridging the E-scooter Gender Gap: Enhancing Adoption and Safety, was the most comprehensive report of its kind and included insights from a series of rider focus groups in the first half of 2023.