Age and attitude: Changes in cycling patterns of different e-bike user segments

The use and purchase of electric bicycles (e-bikes) is emerging in many countries. Existing knowledge about changes in cycling patterns and car replacement after gaining e-bike access is limited and partly contradictory. Based on an online survey among e-bike users in Denmark (n = 427), this study looked into these effects by differentiating between different segments of e-bike users. The authors distinguished four age groups as well as three segments based on cycling attitudes and motives for the use and purchase of e-bikes: (1) enthusiastic e-bikers showed the most positive attitudes toward e-bikes and mainly bought an e-bike to increase cycling frequency; (2) utilitarian e-bikers already cycled regularly before having access to an e-bike and used the e-bike particularly for practical purposes and to reduce travel time; (3) recreational e-bikers were very positive about e-bike use but used it less regularly and mainly for long-distance recreational trips. Enthusiastic e-bikers reported the highest increase in overall cycling. Half of the enthusiastic e-bikers agreed that they bought the e-bike to replace a car. Differences between the four age groups were less pronounced. Nevertheless, the authors found that e-bike access decreased age differences in self-reported cycling frequency, whereas it increased differences in self-reported distances. Measures to increase e-bike use should primarily focus on potential enthusiastic e-bikers. Possible interventions include promotional campaigns at workplaces, intended to address not only instrumental but also affective motives of e-bike use.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.1080/15568318.2016.1162881
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/15568318
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission of Taylor & Francis.
• Authors:
  • Haustein, Sonja
  • Møller, Mette
• Publication Date: 2016-10

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: References;
• Pagination: pp 836-846
• Serial:
  • International Journal of Sustainable Transportation
  • Volume: 10
  • Issue Number: 9
  • Publisher: Taylor & Francis
  • ISSN: 1556-8318
  • EISSN: 1556-8334
  • Serial URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/ujst20

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Age groups; Attitudes; Bicycles; Bicycling; Electric vehicles; Mobility; Promotion; Travel patterns
• Uncontrolled Terms: Data segmentation; Promotional campaigns
• Geographic Terms: Denmark
• Subject Areas: Energy; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Planning and Forecasting; Policy;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01605407
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 13 2016 3:00PM