Barriers and facilitators to Ontario’s E-scooter program: Applying the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR) to identify policy implications

Introduction Electronic scooters (e-scooters) have become increasingly prevalent around the world, particularly in Ontario, Canada. Due to this popularity, e-scooters have become the purview among policymakers and researchers due to both intended and unintended outcomes related to their use. Despite the increase in use, there is a lack of program evaluation, particularly on how use contributes to increases in injury risk. Methods This study used thematic analysis, structured with the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to better understand the facilitators and barriers to successful implementation of the e-scooter pilot program in Ontario. Key informant interviews as well as an online survey were used to collect data on factors that contribute to implementation efforts, from both participating and non-participating municipalities. Results Overall, factors that acted as both facilitators and barriers spanned existing policies, organizational readiness, knowledgeable staff and partners, and implementation processes. Independent barriers included several constructs across both the outer (e.g., partnerships and external factors) and inner setting (e.g., infrastructure) focused on infrastructure-policy mismatch and the need for increased collaboration to address program fit. Conclusions This study found several facilitators and barriers toward implementation of the e-scooter pilot program in Ontario. Interestingly, no independent facilitators were reported by participating or non-participating groups. Further, the number of reported barriers outweighed the number of facilitating constructs. Data suggests there is space for refinement to the existing e-scooter pilot program in Ontario; these data provide some insight on specific mechanisms to improve implementation.