The safer scooting study

What is the purpose of this research?

The overall aim of this project is to improve e-scooter safety by providing an understanding of how user behaviour and safety outcomes change with experience.

Are you looking for people like me?

We invite you to be part of this research if you are 18 or older, live in Australia, and have ridden an e-scooter in Australia.

What will you ask me to do?

The research involves 3 online surveys: baseline, in 12 months and in 24 months. Each survey takes approximately 30 minutes of your time and includes questions about your riding experience, e-scooter ownership, your trips in last week, helmet use, knowledge of rules, involvement in crashes and near misses etc.

Are there any risks for me in taking part?

There are minimal risks associated with your participation in this project:

It is possible that you may disclose information regarding your prior engagement in illegal on-road behaviour/s (e.g., riding under the influence of alcohol or drug, riding without a helmet). You may feel discomfort or distress caused by responding to questions about behaviours that are potentially illegal.

You may experience discomfort or distress as a result of recalling crash and near-miss events. It is not possible to participate in the research project without providing us with your contact information (email address and mobile phone number). We need your contact info to send you surveys 2 and 3. There might be a slight potential risk of identification.

However, you do not have to answer any questions you feel uncomfortable answering. You can withdraw from this study at any time of your participation by emailing, texting or ringing any member of the research team. We will not ask about times or locations of any illegal behaviours. This minimises any risk of legal consequences. All information you provide is treated with strict confidentiality. No identifying information will be made public or disclosed to authorities unless required by law. Your information and data will be stored in QUT’s secure and password-protected server, accessed only by QUT research team.

Are there any benefits for me in taking part?

This research project will not directly benefit you. The outcomes of the research may benefit you and others in the future by improving e-scooter safety. You can request a summary of the outcomes of the study by supplying your email address at the completion of the survey, in the respective response box.

Will I be compensated for my time?

To recognise your contribution should you choose to participate, we are offering you

• a $20 electronic gift-voucher at the completion of survey 1
• a $20 voucher after completing survey 2
• a $25 voucher after completing the final survey.

I am interested - what should I do next?

Visit our website and register your interest. We will send the Survey Link to your mobile phone number.

The Safer Scooting Study