LocoScooter: Designing a Stationary Scooter-Based Locomotion System for Navigation in Virtual Reality
Abstract
Virtual locomotion remains a challenge in VR, especially in space-limited environments where room-scale walking is impractical. We present LocoScooter, a low-cost, deployable locomotion interface combining foot-sliding on a compact treadmill with handlebar steering inspired by scooter riding. Built from commodity hardware, it supports embodied navigation through familiar, physically engaging movement. In a within-subject study $(N = 14)$, LocoScooter significantly improved immersion, enjoyment, and bodily involvement over joystick navigation, while maintaining comparable efficiency and usability. Despite higher physical demand, users did not report increased fatigue, suggesting familiar movements can enrich VR navigation.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Spatial Cognition and Navigation
Human Motion and Animation
Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts
Publication details
- Journal / source
- IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics
- Publisher
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- Volume
- 32
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 3083–3092
- Publication date
- 30 March 2026
- Language
- EN