The Rise of Electric Scooters: When Did They Become Mainstream?

In recent years, electric scooters have become an increasingly popular solution to urban transportation challenges, offering an eco-friendly, convenient, and cost-effective way to navigate busy city streets. But when did this trend really take off? Although the development of the electric scooter dates back to the early 1900s, it can be said that electric scooters truly entered the mainstream in 2017, when companies like Bird and Lime began deploying fleets of dockless e-scooters in major cities across the United States. This sparked an e-scooter craze that quickly spread to cities around the globe, as startups began vying for a piece of the lucrative micro-mobility market.

The appeal of electric scooters is evident in their versatility and ease of use, as they can be ridden by people of all ages and skill levels. Additionally, they provide a more sustainable alternative to traditional gas-powered cars, providing not only a means of reducing carbon emissions but also easing traffic congestion in crowded urban centers. The rise of the sharing economy and the growing availability of mobile apps also played a significant role in the widespread adoption of electric scooters by making it easier than ever for riders to locate, rent, and pay for their scooter rides.

One primary factor that contributed to the rapid popularization of electric scooters in 2017 was their promotion as a solution to the 'last mile' problem in urban transportation. As more and more people flock to cities, existing transportation infrastructure has struggled to keep up with the demand for efficient and accessible public transit options. Electric scooters, being lightweight, easy to maneuver, and relatively quick, emerged as an ideal solution for bridging the gap between existing transit hubs and residents' final destinations.

Moreover, electric scooters have proven to be a natural fit for the growing gig economy, with companies hiring individuals to charge and maintain e-scooter fleets, thereby creating more income opportunities. This, in turn, has contributed to greater public awareness and acceptance of the electric scooter as a mainstream form of transportation.

Despite some bumps in the road, such as cities imposing regulations and some initial concerns surrounding rider safety, the popularity of electric scooters continues to rise. Today, major players like Bird, Lime, Skip, and Spin have expanded their operations internationally, with countless new players entering the market to meet the growing demand for convenient and eco-friendly transportation.

In conclusion, electric scooters can be considered to have become mainstream in 2017 with the emergence of companies like Bird and Lime that revolutionized urban transportation. Since then, the popularity of e-scooters has soared to new heights, further cementing their position as a go-to solution for eco-friendly, convenient, and cost-effective urban mobility.