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Cycling into Sustainability: Lessons from the Netherlands for Slovenia’s E-Bike Adoption

Author

Listed:
  • Sergej Gričar

    (Faculty of Business and Management Science, University of Novo Mesto, Na Loko 2, 8000 Novo Mesto, Slovenia)

  • Urška Longar

    (Faculty of Business and Management Science, University of Novo Mesto, Na Loko 2, 8000 Novo Mesto, Slovenia)

  • Tanja Longar

    (Faculty of Economics and Informatics, University of Novo Mesto, Na Loko 2, 8000 Novo Mesto, Slovenia)

  • Violeta Šugar

    (Faculty of Economics and Tourism Dr. Mijo Mirković, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Petra Preradovića 1, 52100 Pula, Croatia)

Abstract

This study investigates whether Slovenia can learn from the Netherlands to enhance its bicycle commuting culture and how e-bikes can improve cycling performance among its residents. The research utilises secondary data from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia and Statista, covering variables such as bicycle sales, gross domestic product, and urbanisation rates from 1997 to 2024. The data are analysed using Vector Auto Regression (VAR). The results reveal that urbanisation positively influences both traditional and e-bike demand, highlighting the importance of improved cycling infrastructure. However, GDP negatively impacts bike demand, suggesting affordability issues that could hinder adoption without financial support. These findings indicate that e-bikes play a transformative role, particularly in overcoming Slovenia’s hilly terrain and long-distance commuting barriers, with evidence of substitution effects between traditional bicycles and e-bikes. Lessons from the Netherlands emphasise the integration of cycling with public transport, financial incentives, and cultural promotion of cycling. Slovenia’s growing e-bike market signals a promising shift towards sustainable mobility, but strategic investments in infrastructure and policies are crucial.

Suggested Citation

  • Sergej Gričar & Urška Longar & Tanja Longar & Violeta Šugar, 2024. "Cycling into Sustainability: Lessons from the Netherlands for Slovenia’s E-Bike Adoption," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-19, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:22:p:9987-:d:1521992
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    References listed on IDEAS

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