Ralph et al. Review e-Scooter Pilot Projects

January 23, 2025

Abstract

Problem, research strategy, and findings

Pilot projects are an increasingly popular tool for dealing with opposition to new ideas. The premise is simple—let experience change minds—but it belies considerable uncertainty. How do opinions evolve during a pilot project? How do planners make sense of shifting opinions, and what strategies do they employ to successfully navigate through it? In this study, we took a longitudinal lens to explore these dynamics in the context of a single project: a shared e-scooter pilot in Eugene (OR). We surveyed the public before, during, and after the pilot, focusing on respondents’ overall support for the pilot and their views on its positive and negative attributes. We complemented survey responses with interviews of local practitioners before and during the pilot to explore how they made sense of shifting public opinions and how they worked strategically to help the project succeed. We found that direct experience as a rider tended to increase support, though it could sour initial support if someone had a bad experience like a crash or other issue. For nonriders, mere exposure to e-scooters improved perceptions on average for those who were initially most skeptical. However, exposure tempered expectations for those who were most enthusiastic at the outset.

Takeaway for practice

Well-run and well-received pilot projects can help overcome initial public opposition to new policies or projects. Planners should use four strategies to maximize the potential of their pilots. First, conduct meaningful outreach to build trust and create space for change. Second, rather than relying on unsolicited public input, most of which is likely to be negative, systematically survey the public to gauge overall support. Third, carefully correct common public misconceptions. Fourth, help public officials ride the wave of public opinion including interpreting and responding to initial opposition.

Citation

Brown, A., Thigpen, C., Klein, N. J., & Ralph, K. (2025). Pilots and Shifting Public Sentiment: Evidence From e-Scooters in Eugene (OR). Journal of the American Planning Association, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/01944363.2024.2441373

Recent Posts

NJSPL: Ensuring Accurate & Equitable Vaccination Info

By Yonaira Rivera and Vivek Singh  In today’s digital world, large language models like ChatGPT are important sources of healthcare information, particularly for those who face barriers like insurance issues or language constraints. As part of the IMPACT-NJ project,...

2025 IHC Grant Program Funding Opportunities

The New Jersey Inclusive Healthy Communities (IHC) grant program has announced its latest Request for Proposals (RFP) for grants to local governments and nonprofit organizations to advance policy and systems change through the inclusion of people with disabilities to...

Navigating New Jersey’s Economic Outlook

Navigating New Jersey's Economic Outlook: Insights with Will Irving, Associate Professor of Practice In our first episode of EJB Talks for 2025, Stuart Shapiro and Will Irving discuss his journey from Rutgers MPP student to faculty member and economic forecaster. Will...

Dr. Quincy Reflects on Dr. King’s Impact in NJ

Published on nj.com January 20, 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. profoundly championed a consequential and historically unprecedented social change movement against what he referred to as the “Triple Evils” of Racism, Poverty, and War-Violence. The hallmark of King’s...

Nashia Basit (MPP/MCRP ’24) Named 2025 NLC-NJ Fellow

The Bloustein School's Nashia Basit (MPP/MCRP '24) was one of 22 applicants selected as a 2025 New Leaders Council New Jersey (NLC-NJ) fellow. NLC-NJ is the statewide chapter of the nation’s largest organization that develops, connects, and uplifts inclusive,...

Upcoming Events