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E-Bike Charging Infrastructure in the Workplace—Should Employers Provide It?

Author

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  • David Kohlrautz

    (Institute of Urban and Transport Planning, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany)

  • Tobias Kuhnimhof

    (Institute of Urban and Transport Planning, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany)

Abstract

Constructing charging infrastructure for e-bikes at home or in other locations is necessary to enable motor support while riding. This paper focuses on charging facilities at work and study locations. It analyzes the charging frequency preference of 281 e-bike commuters who work or study at RWTH Aachen University, using survey data with 1091 choices for hypothetical free charging, as well as the same conditions for hypothetical paid charging. We use a mixed logit model to estimate the factors influencing the charging frequency, focusing on the commuting distance, an e-bike’s resale value, the age of the owner, student status, and employment group. One charging event per day can be expected for four e-bike commuters when free charging is available. In the case of paid charging, there is one charging event per 12 e-bike users. The magnitude of the reduction caused by a charging fee depends on group membership and, probably, on income. Commuting distance only has a statistically significant influence on the charging frequency when charging is free, raising the question of whether charging at work is necessary to cover trip chains that include stops at work. Owners of more expensive e-bikes charge less often, likely due to higher battery capacities, while the influence of age is inconclusive. However, providing charging infrastructure for employees and guests could be used as a low-cost measure to promote cycling among commuters.

Suggested Citation

  • David Kohlrautz & Tobias Kuhnimhof, 2023. "E-Bike Charging Infrastructure in the Workplace—Should Employers Provide It?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-11, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:13:p:10540-:d:1186733
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Changxi Ma & Dong Yang & Jibiao Zhou & Zhongxiang Feng & Quan Yuan, 2019. "Risk Riding Behaviors of Urban E-Bikes: A Literature Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-18, June.
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    4. Train,Kenneth E., 2009. "Discrete Choice Methods with Simulation," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521766555.
    5. Paul Schepers & Karin Klein Wolt & Elliot Fishman, 2018. "The Safety of E-Bikes in The Netherlands," International Transport Forum Discussion Papers 2018/02, OECD Publishing.
    6. Wardman, Mark & Tight, Miles & Page, Matthew, 2007. "Factors influencing the propensity to cycle to work," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 41(4), pages 339-350, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. David Kohlrautz & Tobias Kuhnimhof, 2024. "Bicycle Parking Requirements in City Building Codes and Their Potential to Promote Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-13, March.

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