Development of a Comfort and Safety Information System for Vulnerable Road Users using E-scooters

Micromobility in cities is evolving rapidly, notably with the rise of e-scooters, driven by sustainability goals, convenience, affordability, and flexible use. However, their rapid adoption raises road safety concerns. This study analyses national crash data to identify injury-related factors and examines the operational performance, safety, and comfort of e-scooter use through real-world tests in Aveiro, Portugal. Key metrics such as speed, acceleration, jerk, and safety distance were evaluated. Results show 69% of crashes involved males aged 10–49, with 80% occurring in good weather and lighting. Field tests revealed high variability in safety and comfort across routes, with heart rates peaking at 113 bpm in high-conflict zones and comfort scores varying by up to 40%. Findings support the development of performance indicators and safety systems, informing future infrastructure and policy improvements.