Comparative Environmental and Economic Impacts Assessment of Shared E-Scooters, Cars, and Buses on University Campus Transportation System

Electric scooters (e-scooters) have become a popular mode of sustainable, shared transportation on university campuses and in urban areas across the United States (US). While they offer a convenient solution for short-distance travel, their environmental and economic impacts remain less understood when compared to two other commonly used transportation modes: internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and campus shuttle buses. These impacts are particularly unclear in university settings due to unique trip characteristics and usage patterns that differ from urban contexts. This study evaluated and compared the environmental and economic impacts of transit buses, cars, and e-scooters on university campuses. The environmental assessment employed two methods: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) equivalent emissions. Economic impacts were analyzed by accounting for ownership and operating costs, maintenance, parking fees, and the monetary value of travel time. Results of the environmental analysis revealed that ICE cars caused the most significant environmental harm, followed by e-scooters and buses. Without considering travel time costs, e-scooters emerged as the most cost-effective mode of transportation, followed by buses, with cars being the least economical. However, when travel time costs were factored in, cars became the most economical option. This result was due to the extended travel and waiting times associated with buses and e-scooters, particularly for users commuting from off-campus locations.