The impact of e-cycling on travel behaviour: A scoping review

Abstract

Introduction Electrically assisted bicycles (e-bikes) have become increasingly popular in the past decade. This review aimed to scope the literature to identify what is known about the frequency and duration of e-bike use, their impact on travel behaviour, the purposes for which e-bikes are used and factors associated with e-bike use. In addition, the review aimed to identify gaps in the literature and highlight future research priorities. Methods A scoping review of published and unpublished literature in any language. Relevant articles were identified through searching six databases, two grey literature platforms and reference lists. Searches were conducted until August 2019. Data were extracted using a standardised extraction form and descriptive and narrative results are provided. Results Seventy-six studies met the inclusion criteria. The volume of research has increased since 2017 and primarily examines personal e-bike use, as opposed to e-bike share/rental schemes or organizational e-bike initiatives. The use of e-bikes increased the frequency and duration of cycling compared to conventional cycling and may help overcome barriers associated with conventional cycling. The uptake in e-cycling largely substitutes for conventional cycling or private car journeys, though the degree of substitution depends on the primary transport mode prior to e-bike acquisition. E-bikes are primarily used for utilitarian reasons, though older adults also engage in recreational e-cycling. Research priorities include quantitatively examining e-bike use, their impact on overall transport behaviour and identifying determinants of e-cycling to inform intervention and policy. Conclusions This review suggests that the personal use of e-bikes is associated with a reduction in motorized vehicle use, which has potential positive impacts on the environment and health. The impacts of e-bike share schemes and workplace initiatives are less well understood. Evidence describing the purposes for which e-bikes are used, and the factors associated with usage, are useful to inform e-cycling promotion policy.

Who uses e-bikes in the UK and why?

“…Evidence on the impact of e-bikes on overall travel behavior is mixed. From an international meta-study (excluding Chinese evidence) Bourne et al (2020) note that their impact largely depends on the primary mode of transport before their introduction; so in countries or cities where car use is dominant (which would include nearly all of the UK), they are most likely to substitute for car use.…”

“…Several studies have noted that e-bike ownership and use are both positively associated with household income (Bourne et al, 2020;MacArthur et al, 2014;Simsekoglu & Kl€ ockner, 2019), but not how income affects the motivation of users or the impacts of e-bikes on overall travel behavior.…”

“…Nearly all the findings on the use of e-bikes for commuting and work travel, differences of use by gender and age and impacts on travel behavior have been based on small-scale surveys or trials, so far. From their recent meta-study Bourne et al (2020) conclude that the impact of gender, age and socio-economic status on e-bike use are priorities for future research.…”

Safer cycling in older age (SiFAr): a protocol of a randomized controlled trial

“…A German mobility study by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure report that half of all e-bike routes were used by persons aged 60 years and older [13]. The 10reasons for the use of e-bikes are the ability to cycle with less effort and to bike longer distances for both leisure and commuting purposes, accompanied by health and environmental aspects [14,15].…”

Health Promotion as a Motivational Factor in Alpine Cycling

“…Cycling is an outdoor activity that is becoming increasingly diffused in the alpine region, an area with a great potential for health benefits due to its unique and rich nature [ 17 , 18 , 19 ]. This sport contributes significantly to health and wellbeing, for both active and inactive individuals [ 7 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ]. Its current popularity is especially due to the various possibilities of cycling in the Alps and the advanced e-bike technology [ 19 , 25 ] that facilitates access to the sometimes difficult terrain.…”