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E-bikes in rural areas: current and potential users in the Netherlands

Author

Listed:
  • Paul Plazier

    (University of Groningen)

  • Gerd Weitkamp

    (University of Groningen)

  • Agnes van den Berg

    (University of Groningen)

Abstract

This study considers how socio-demographic characteristics, mobility situation and attitudes explain current and potential e-bike use in rural areas. Due to longer distances between travel destinations, rural areas in most western societies are characterized by a high car dependence and low use of active modes like walking and cycling. Developing e-bike mobility in these areas can support more healthy and sustainable rural mobility. A large-scale mobility survey conducted among rural residents in the northern parts of the Netherlands provides insight in the determinants of current and potential e-bike use in rural areas. The participant characteristics show that in rural areas also, the e-bike is already used among a broad population of varied ages and backgrounds and for different purposes. Among respondents who did not own an e-bike, especially those with lower socioeconomic status and a household with children showed more willingness to use an e-bike in the future. No evidence was found for current or potential substitution of public transport use. Current e-bike users less likely use a car or regular bicycle as their primary mode of transport. Those who are willing to use an e-bike are less likely to currently use a regular bicycle as their main mode of transport. These findings suggest that the e-bike can substitute both car and bicycle use to some extent. However, bicycle users seem more reluctant towards owning or adopting an e-bike than car users, suggesting greater potential for a shift away from car travel. Furthermore, current and potential e-bike users hold more positive attitudes toward different aspects of e-bike travel than non-users. This provides impetus for future actions to further encourage e-bike use.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Plazier & Gerd Weitkamp & Agnes van den Berg, 2023. "E-bikes in rural areas: current and potential users in the Netherlands," Transportation, Springer, vol. 50(4), pages 1449-1470, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:transp:v:50:y:2023:i:4:d:10.1007_s11116-022-10283-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s11116-022-10283-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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