Can we enhance prosocial behavior? Using post-ride feedback to improve micromobility interactions

TL;DR

This study explores how post-ride feedback can effectively promote prosocial behavior among e-scooter riders, leading to safer and more socially acceptable interactions with pedestrians and delivery robots in urban environments.

Contribution

It demonstrates that post-ride feedback can enhance prosocial behaviors in micromobility users, providing a new approach to improve societal acceptance of such devices.

Findings

Post-ride feedback increases prosocial behavior in riders.

Riders exhibit better gap behavior and lower speeds.

Longer stopping times around sidewalk actors.

Abstract

Micromobility devices, such as e-scooters and delivery robots, hold promise for eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives for future urban transportation. However, their lack of societal acceptance remains a challenge. Therefore, we must consider ways to promote prosocial behavior in micromobility interactions. We investigate how post-ride feedback can encourage the prosocial behavior of e-scooter riders while interacting with sidewalk users, including pedestrians and delivery robots. Using a web-based platform, we measure the prosocial behavior of e-scooter riders. Results found that post-ride feedback can successfully promote prosocial behavior, and objective measures indicated better gap behavior, lower speeds at interaction, and longer stopping time around other sidewalk actors. The findings of this study demonstrate the efficacy of post-ride feedback and provide a step toward designing methodologies to improve the prosocial behavior of mobility users.