Studying the demographic characteristics of shared e-scooter users in Abu Dhabi, utilizing OpenStreetMap data: A geoinformatics study

Micromobility has brought significant changes to the transportation landscape, disrupting traditional transportation methods that have been in place for nearly a century. Abu Dhabi is experiencing an increasing adoption of micromobility, but it also raises concerns about safety hazards for the public. To address these challenges and promote accessibility and safety, it is crucial to establish comprehensive legislation and regulations for micromobility. To develop effective micromobility policies and infrastructure in Abu Dhabi, it is essential to have comprehensive data on user demographics, public behavior, preferences, usage patterns, and trends. Given the city's diverse population and advanced transport system, this data will provide valuable insights and perspectives. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify the demographic characteristics of individuals who utilize shared e-scooters in Abu Dhabi. The proposed methodology involves the use of Geoinformatics to create a geodatabase (GIS) by collecting relevant data and visually representing potential households and users of e-scooters. The findings of the study indicate that shared e-scooters in Abu Dhabi are predominantly used for leisure purposes, as evidenced by the frequent trips to and from parks. Additionally, the study assesses the usage of escooters as a "first-mile" and "last-mile" transportation option in conjunction with public transit. It reveals that approximately 30% of individuals utilize e-scooters to connect with public bus transportation. Overall, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the demographics and usage patterns of public shared e-scooters in Abu Dhabi, contributing to the development of effective micromobility policies and infrastructure in the city.