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A recent survey conducted by Lime, a leading scooter and bicycle share company, has revealed that one in five women in the Gush Dan region ride e-scooters, highlighting a growing trend in urban mobility.
However, outside of this region, the survey, which was carried out in collaboration with research firm Shiluv, found that only 22% of Israeli women use either bicycles or e-scooters as their primary mode of transport.
The survey also highlighted a significant preference for car travel, with 88% of women relying on private vehicles, and 66% using public transportation.
The study, which focused on young women aged 18-40 across the country, aimed to explore the usage of e-scooters among Israeli women, identify the barriers preventing wider adoption, and suggest potential solutions to encourage more women to opt for these eco-friendly transportation options.
One of the key findings of the survey was that nearly half of the women surveyed (45%) believe e-scooters could be a better alternative to public transportation, especially when it is not readily available.
Despite this positive outlook, road safety concerns remained the primary obstacle preventing greater adoption of e-scooters.
More than 50% of the participants cited the lack of dedicated bicycle lanes as a major deterrent, with many women expressing feelings of insecurity and a lack of confidence when riding alongside traffic.
Interestingly, the survey also revealed that more than half of the respondents felt safer commuting at night on an e-scooter compared to using public transportation or a taxi.
This perception of safety highlights the potential for e-scooters to serve as a reliable and secure option for evening commutes.
Lime has acknowledged that there are still critical steps to be taken to improve women’s sense of safety and confidence when using e-scooters, particularly at night.
As part of its efforts to address these concerns, the company announced plans to launch women-only training workshops next year, focusing on enhancing safety during nighttime riding.
Maxim Mozes, CEO of Lime Israel, emphasized the need for a safer riding environment to boost female participation in e-scooter usage.
“The survey reinforced our perception that women see the potential of e-scooters, but various concerns prevent them from fully realizing the advantages, especially compared to men,” Mozes said.
He stressed the importance of providing well-lit, protected bike lanes and improving street lighting to ensure women feel secure, particularly after dark.
“The most important factor is ensuring that women feel confident on the road,” Mozes continued. “The main reason women hesitate to use e-scooters is that they feel unsure about how to operate them.”
To address this gap, Lime has committed to providing training and educational tools that will empower women with the experience and self-assurance needed to navigate the roads safely.
The company has previously offered women’s riding academies, and plans to continue expanding these initiatives to help women build confidence and skills while riding e-scooters in Israel.
By addressing these safety concerns and promoting education, Lime hopes to unlock the full potential of e-scooters as an essential mode of transportation for women, contributing to their mobility and quality of life.