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

Author

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  • Ziwen Ling

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Tennessee, 311 John D. Tickle Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-2313, USA)

  • Christopher R. Cherry

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Tennessee, 311 John D. Tickle Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-2313, USA)

  • John H. MacArthur

    (Transportation Research and Education Center, Portland State University, 1900 SW 4th Ave., Portland, OR 97201, USA)

  • Jonathan X. Weinert

    (Bosch eBike Systems Americas, 12 Mauchly Unit E., Irvine, CA 92618, USA)

Abstract

E-bikes are bicycles that provide pedal-assistance to aid people in cycling. Because of the potential of promoting sustainable transportation, more attention has been focused on the e-bike market. This paper investigates the differences of the cycling experience and perceptions between e-bike and conventional bicycle users, using samples drawn from independent bicycle dealer customers. A total of 806 respondents in the United States took the on-line survey, including 363 e-bike-owning respondents. The results show that e-bikes play a more important role in utilitarian travel, such as commuting and running errands, compared to a conventional bicycle. Conventional bicycle-owning respondents use their bicycles more for recreation and exercise. Also, e-bike owners tend to bike longer distances and take more trips per week. Both e-bike respondents and bicycle respondents stated that improved health was a key factor for cycling, while Millennials and Generation X respondents cycle to save time and improve the environment. Finally, an ordered logit model is proposed for evaluating factors that influence interest in future e-bike ownership. Travel purpose, e-bike familiarity, annual household income, and education level are statistically significant factors in the model. These findings begin to provide insight and a profile of potential new markets for e-bikes in the United States.

Suggested Citation

  • Ziwen Ling & Christopher R. Cherry & John H. MacArthur & Jonathan X. Weinert, 2017. "Differences of Cycling Experiences and Perceptions between E-Bike and Bicycle Users in the United States," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(9), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:9:y:2017:i:9:p:1662-:d:112482
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    2. Monteiro, Mayara Moraes & de Abreu e Silva, João & Haustein, Sonja & Pinho de Sousa, Jorge, 2021. "Urban travel behavior adaptation of temporary transnational residents," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    3. Bretones, Alexandra & Marquet, Oriol, 2022. "Sociopsychological factors associated with the adoption and usage of electric micromobility. A literature review," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 230-249.
    4. Wojciech Sałabun & Krzysztof Palczewski & Jarosław Wątróbski, 2019. "Multicriteria Approach to Sustainable Transport Evaluation under Incomplete Knowledge: Electric Bikes Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-19, June.
    5. Michał Adam Kwiatkowski & Elżbieta Grzelak-Kostulska & Jadwiga Biegańska, 2021. "Could It Be a Bike for Everyone? The Electric Bicycle in Poland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-19, August.
    6. Jun Li & Jiachao Shen & Bicen Jia, 2021. "Exploring Intention to Use Shared Electric Bicycles by the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-13, April.
    7. Jie Ma & Xin Ye & Cheng Shi, 2018. "Development of Multivariate Ordered Probit Model to Understand Household Vehicle Ownership Behavior in Xiaoshan District of Hangzhou, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-17, October.
    8. Jenkins, Michael & Lustosa, Lucio & Chia, Victoria & Wildish, Sarah & Tan, Maria & Hoornweg, Daniel & Lloyd, Meghann & Dogra, Shilpa, 2022. "What do we know about pedal assist E-bikes? A scoping review to inform future directions," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 25-37.
    9. Hung, Nguyen Ba & Lim, Ocktaeck, 2020. "A review of history, development, design and research of electric bicycles," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 260(C).
    10. Ruiwei Li & Gobi Krishna Sinniah & Xiangyu Li, 2022. "The Factors Influencing Resident’s Intentions on E-Bike Sharing Usage in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-15, April.
    11. Mallikarjun Patil & Bandhan Bandhu Majumdar & Prasanta Kumar Sahu & Long T. Truong, 2021. "Evaluation of Prospective Users’ Choice Decision toward Electric Two-Wheelers Using a Stated Preference Survey: An Indian Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-22, March.
    12. Genikomsakis, Konstantinos N. & Galatoulas, Nikolaos-Fivos & Ioakimidis, Christos S., 2021. "Towards the development of a hotel-based e-bike rental service: Results from a stated preference survey and techno-economic analysis," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 215(PA).
    13. Zhiwei Chen & Yucong Hu & Jutint Li & Xing Wu, 2020. "Optimal Deployment of Electric Bicycle Sharing Stations: Model Formulation and Solution Technique," Networks and Spatial Economics, Springer, vol. 20(1), pages 99-136, March.
    14. Jadwiga Biegańska & Elżbieta Grzelak-Kostulska & Michał Adam Kwiatkowski, 2021. "A Typology of Attitudes towards the E-Bike against the Background of the Traditional Bicycle and the Car," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-21, December.

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