The potential for e-biking among the younger population: A study of Dutch students. (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Plazier, Paul A.; Weitkamp, Gerd; van den Berg, Agnes E.
• Is Part Of: Travel behaviour and society. Volume 8(2017)
• Page Start: 37
• Page End: 45
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: Electrically-assisted cycling -- University towns -- Sustainable transport -- Mobility behavior -- Commuting; Transportation -- Periodicals; Population geography -- Periodicals; 303.48305
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tbs.2017.04.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-367X

Abstract

Highlights: We assessed travel experiences of students pilot testing e-bikes. They valued speed, ease of use and enjoyable experience of assisted cycling. Positive attitudes suggest increased acceptance of e-bikes for everyday use. E-bikes can substitute public transport use, but purchase price is still too high. Results indicate potential for e-bike use by students now and in later life. Abstract: This study assessed the benefits and limitations of e-bike use for students participating in a pilot in a university town in the Netherlands. It targets a gap in the literature regarding e-bike use in early adulthood. Thirty-seven pilot participants completed a survey on their e-bike experiences, and follow-up in-depth interviews were held with eight participants. Results suggest there is a considerable potential for e-bike use among students. Participants valued e-bike speed, ease of use, the enjoyable experience of assisted cycling and independency from public transport schedules. Main impediments were the high costs of e-bikes, which have to compete with low-cost regular bikes and free public transportation. The study was based on a small, non-representative sample. Self-selection of participants and self-report of travel behaviors may have affected the internal and external validity of the results. Yet, the study offers first insights in the potential for e-bike use among younger populations. The positive attitudes of students suggest increased acceptance of e-bikes for everyday use, and likelihood of use in later life. Insights may guide future development of sustainable transport systems in university environments specifically and society in general. Results reveal a high potential for e-bikes to substitute public transportation use, but the high purchasing price makes it difficult for the e-bike to compete with other transport modes.