Akron-area residents are increasingly using electric scooters as a mode of transportation. A recent report from the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (AMATS) examines the emergence of micromobility in Akron and Kent, and offers recommendations for deploying it safely and efficiently throughout the region.
Micromobility on the Rise
The report, which uses data from 2022-2025, found that the number of e-scooter rides in Akron peaked in 2023, with 144,749 rides. The average ride time was 10.54 minutes, and the average distance traveled was 0.71 miles. Last year, Akron had 99,850 total rides with an average ride time of 9.23 minutes.
Spin, a subsidiary of Bird Global, operates the shared micromobility market in Akron and Kent. The company has been operating in Akron since 2020 with a fleet of 400 e-scooters, and began operating in Kent in 2022 with 100 e-bikes and 300 e-scooters.
Recommendations for Support
The report recommends building a sustainable network in the region to allow for safe and efficient travel. Strategies include increasing the number of bike lanes, maintaining good pavement conditions, and organizing public events to promote micromobility. The report also suggests creating access to micromobility parking and obtaining and analyzing shared micromobility use data.
Micromobility has increased access to flexible and convenient transportation in urban areas, particularly on college campuses and in high areas of tourism. However, safety remains a concern, with some devices reaching speeds of up to 20 mph and a lack of infrastructure leading to crashes.
Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.
