A longitudinal evaluation of satisfaction with e-cycling in daily commuting in the Netherlands. (July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: de Kruijf, Joost; Ettema, Dick; Dijst, Martin
• Is Part Of: Travel behaviour and society. Volume 16(2019)
• Page Start: 192
• Page End: 200
• Publication Date: 2019-07
• Subjects: Transportation -- Periodicals; Population geography -- Periodicals; 303.48305
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tbs.2018.04.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-367X

Abstract

Highlights: E-cycling is increasingly used for commuting in the Netherlands, but implications for travel satisfaction have not been investigated. Switching from car to e-cycling results in a strong increase in travel satisfaction for both car-only as well as multi-modal car-commuters. Significant (positive) changes in satisfaction are maintained over a six month period. An engaging environment has significant positive effect on the satisfaction with travel by e-bike. Positive changes in self-reported health have positive impact on the satisfaction with travel by e-bike. Abstract: This paper reports on the effects of an e-cycling stimulation program on travel satisfaction in the province of North-Brabant, the Netherlands. The program was designed to stimulate car-commuters to shift to e-bike in daily commuting, earning a monetary incentive for each kilometre e-cycled. With a longitudinal design, this study shows a significant increase in travel satisfaction when switching from car to e-bike. Starting from an average slightly positive satisfaction with car commuting, participants reported an extremely positive expected travel satisfaction by e-bike. Although a bit less than expected, the experienced travel satisfaction with e-cycling was high after a period of a month and even increased in the following period of half a year. Where the participants can be sub-divided into car-only and multi-modal car-commuters, this distinction does not show in the experienced travel satisfaction with e-cycling. Our study indicates that the hedonic treadmill mechanism does not automatically apply to the satisfaction with e-cycling. Multivariate analyses suggest that the increase in the travel satisfaction is affected by self-reported health, car ownership, urbanization degree, whether car use and e-cycling are experienced as strenuous, congestion on the route and the attractiveness of the cycle route.