The effects of deterrents, intentions and willingness on helmet use behaviours: A study of e-scooters

What is the purpose of this research?

This research project is being undertaken as part of an Honours study by MQ Collab. The purpose of this research project is to understand the factors underpinning willingness and intention to engage in risky behaviours while riding an e-scooter. More specifically to understand how attitudes, social norms and deterrents that affect intention to not wear a helmet or to wear a helmet incorrectly.

Are you looking for people like me?

The study is open to individuals who:

• are 18+ years of age
• Currently hold a valid driver’s license (at least a learner’s permit)
• are an Australian resident currently living in Queensland.

What will you ask me to do?

Participation will involve completing an 84-item questionnaire with Likert scale answers that will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes of your time. The questionnaire will include items about you, such as your age and gender, attitudes and intentions towards helmet use on an e-scooter, willingness to use an e-scooter without a helmet in different situations, your opinions of those who do not wear a helmet while riding an e-scooter, and beliefs around deterrents, such as fines for not wearing a helmet.

Items will include:

• What statement would best describe your use of e-scooters?
• I plan to not wear a helmet the next time I ride an e-scooter.
• If I ride an e-scooter without a helmet I am very likely to be fined.

Your participation in this research project is entirely voluntary. If you agree to participate you do not have to complete any question(s) you are uncomfortable answering. Your decision to participate or not participate will in no way impact upon your current or future relationship with QUT (for example your grades). As the survey does not request any personal identifying information, once it has been submitted it will not be possible to withdraw. Although you are free to stop the questionnaire at any time, please be aware that partially completed responses may be included in the study’s analysis. You will not be able to review your responses before submitting.

Are there any risks for me in taking part?

There are some risks associated with your participation in this research project. These include:

• discomfort as a result of disclosing past engagement in using e-scooters riding with incorrect use or non-use of a helmet. However, you are not asked to disclose any specific details (e.g., time and location) when you may have used an e-scooter with incorrect use or non-use of a helmet
• discomfort in participants who have been involved in or know someone involved in a e-scooter related incident, particularly one which involved incorrect use or non-use of a helmet. Individual discretion is advised when considering whether participation in this survey is appropriate given your personal experiences.

Lifeline provides access to online, phone or face-to-face support, call 13 11 14 for 24-hour telephone crisis support. If you are aged up to 25, you can also call the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

Are there any benefits for me in taking part?

It is expected that this research project will not directly benefit you. The outcomes of the research, however, may benefit policy making in the future surrounding e-scooter risk management, making roads, footpaths and bikeways safer for motorists, riders and pedestrians. You can request a brief summary of the outcomes of the study by providing an email address upon completion of the survey.

Will I be compensated for my time?

To recognise your contribution should you choose to participate the research team is offering you a chance to win 1 of 4 $50 GiftPay digital gift cards. To enter, participants must provide an email address on completion of the survey. Please note the email address provided is in no way linked to your survey responses. Alternatively, eligible QUT undergraduate Psychology students may choose to receive SONA credit points (0.5) rather than entry in the prize draw.

Please note the opening date for entries is 15 June 2026. The closing date for entries is 20 September 2026. The terms and conditions of the prize draw can found online.

I am interested - what should I do next?

Please complete the online survey.

Online survey