The potential of electrically assisted cycling in the everyday commute – a mixed methods approach

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Paul PlazierPhD candidate, University of Groningen, NLRGS-IBGAnnual International Conference 2016, LondonCurrent & emerging research in transport (2)

Introduction› Case study in the Netherlands› High levels of conventional cycling, growth of e-bike use› E-bikes: cover longer distances at higher average speeds against

reduced physical effort› Popular among elderly people. But: growing use among younger

ages, for various purposes› Potential for substitution of motorized commuting?

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Aims› Perceived gap in research related to adoption/use of e-bikes for

commuting

› Aim to assess the potential of commuting by e-bike by:• Studying travel behavior of e-bike commuters and motives for

adoption and use• Studying on-road experiences of e-bike commuters

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Method› 24 participants› 14-day GPS tracking› GPS data: input for

follow-up in-depth interviews

› Interviews: complete/validate GPS data

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“I barely use the e-bike inthe village. My kids couldn’tkeep up with me (laughs)(..) And I’ve always doneminor grocery shoppingusing my conventional bike.That didn’t change”

“I take the e-bike to work, aslong as it isn’t raining too hard,and my husband can pick up thekids from school (..) Thecommute is twice as long as bycar, but.. I enjoy it so muchmore..”

Method

Results› E-bike use replaces car commuting where conventional cycling

isn’t realistic› Benefits of regular cycling (outdoor & physical activity,

independency) + mitigation of relative disadvantages (increased travel time, excessive effort)

› Weather and ‘agenda’ main impediments› 63% of commutes made by e-bike, 14.1km/8.8m on average› E-bike commutes twice as long as car commutes, about as long as

bus commutes› Route choice: calm & pleasant commutes favored over faster,

more direct routes

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Route A Route BLength 15.5 km

9.6 mi15.3 km9,5 M

Duration 50 mn 45 mnAvg speed 18.6 km/h

11.6 mph20.4 km/h12.7 mph

Results› Sharp difference in cycling experience in urban and rural

environments

› Being faster is less important than traveling for longer distances› Assisted cycling changes the way cyclists ride

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Conclusions› E-bikes can effectively subsitute motorized commuting› Longer average commutes by e-bike are traded for the benefits of

assisted cycling› Participants are inclined to choose enjoyable itineraries over

shorter routes› Findings stress the importance of subjective experience in

commuting by e-bike

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Final remarks› Small, non-representative sample› No quantitative assessment of mode use change› Bike-friendly environment

› Findings supports future efforts directed at increasing e-bike use› More research needed on role of subjective experiences in

commuting and assisted cycling › Role of experience in environmental and infrastructure design› E-bikes potentially a developing link in sustainable transport

systems

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Thank you!8/31/16 | 11