Most travel modes have a downside. For example, car and suv drivers routinely speed through pedestrian crossings and kill large numbers of pedestrians.
Scooters may be annoying, but at least they aren't deadly.
Solar PV, battery technologies, and smart phone transaction systems are areas where China is playing a leading role. They are competitive in EVs and Automated Vehicles. I'm sure there are others.
The US isn't even in the game any more for many consumer products.
It would meet a need in the US if restricted to low-speed roads, eg for older drivers. Maybe young drivers and low-income people too. At low speed you just don't need a lot of the fancy stuff.
Also add:
- debt service related to infrastructure
- higher transportation related costs, eg for school buses, fire fighting, parking related building costs
But I agree Strongtown arguments tend to ignore other big cost categories.