E-bikes in the Mainstream: Reviewing a Decade of Research

Abstract

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) represent one of the fastest growing segments of the transport market. Over 31 million e-bikes were sold in 2012. Research has followed this growth and this paper provides a synthesis of the most pertinent themes emerging over the past on the burgeoning topic of e-bikes. The focus is transport rather than recreational e-bike research, as well as the most critical research gaps requiring attention. China leads the world in e-bike sales, followed by the Netherlands and Germany. E-bikes can maintain speed with less effort. E-bikes are found to increase bicycle usage. E-bikes have the potential to displace conventional motorised (internal combustion) modes, but there are open questions about their role in displacing traditional bicycles. E-bikes have been shown to provide health benefits and an order of magnitude less carbon dioxide than a car travelling the same distance. Safety issues have emerged as a policy issue in several jurisdictions and e-bike numbers are now approaching levels in which adequate safety data are able to be collected. Research on e-bikes is still in its infancy. As e-bike usage continues to grow, so too will the need for further research, in order to provide the necessary data to inform policy-makers and industry.

The potential for e-biking among the younger population: A study of Dutch students

“…Previous research suggests that users of conventional e-bikes are at higher risk of 607 injury than regular cyclists (Fishman & Cherry 2015). The present study showed that students 608 mostly attribute potential safety hazards to other e-bike users rather than to themselves.…”

“…Electrically-assisted cycling, or e-biking, is growing in popularity in many countries across 72 the world (Fishman & Cherry 2015). E-bikes combine propulsion by user pedaling with 73 assistance through a computer-guided electric motor.…”

“…Case studies in Europe, North America and Australia have suggested that e-bike use is 81 especially high among middle-aged and older adults (Fishman & Cherry 2015). Little is The present study aimed to gain insight in the potential benefits and limitations of e-87 bike use for young adults by evaluating an e-bike pilot among university students.…”

Differences of Cycling Experiences and Perceptions between E-Bike and Bicycle Users in the United States

“…A very important distinction is that the Chinese e-bike market grew very rapidly through the early 2000s, and has since plateaued at around 30 million sales per year [5]. Those e-bikes are relatively low-cost (usually less than $1000 U.S.) and have evolved in form to resemble scooters that are rarely pedaled [6,7]. The market in Western countries has largely maintained bicycle-style form factors with much higher build quality and associated price, with mainstream e-bikes ranging from $800 to $4000.…”

An Overview of Existing Experiences with Solar-Powered E-Bikes

“…Western European studies investigate the impact of e-bikes on human health [34] and the environment (e.g., studies in European countries). Additionally, there are studies that focus on the impact of e-bikes on emerging markets and the behavior of this new market [14] (e.g., studies conducted in North-America).…”