Abstract
Although it is generally accepted that innovators and early adopters have a particular influence on the uptake of electric bikes, other groups, whose reactions to innovation have not been studied, are perhaps wrongly marginalised. Such individuals, often relying on stereotypes, also need to be included in researchers’ scope of interest. Therefore, the aim of the CAWI survey was to determine the attitudes of respondents, both users and non-users of electric bikes, and on this basis to classify by k-means analysis the attitudes towards the e-bike compared to the traditional bicycle and the car. The results obtained show a large variation between the designated classes. What most of them have in common is a strong attachment to the private car, which is typical for the cycling culture of this part of Europe, but the psycho-physical characteristics of the surveyed remain the strongest differentiating factor. Therefore, in the light of the opinions collected, it seems that the group Gadget lovers 1 and 2, whose share was about one-quarter of the total number surveyed, may be the most inclined to change their transport behaviour. This means that the e-bike, as an innovation, can overcome a critical discontinuity stage on the innovation diffusion curve in the Innovation Adaptation Lifecycle (IAL).
Highlights
In view of the increasing presence of electric bicycles on European roads, many questions arise about their impact on the future shape of mobility
The hopes attached to the beneficial effects of e-bikes seem justified, but it is worth basing them on rational premises and reinforcing them with effective actions built on well-informed strategies
The results collected open the field for discussion. It refers to the conceptual framework set by the Innovation Adaptation Lifecycle (IAL) as well as to the findings reported in the literature, which take into account, among other things, the geographical context
Summary
In view of the increasing presence of electric bicycles on European roads, many questions arise about their impact on the future shape of mobility. As Bucher et al [1] and Fishman and Cherry [2] show, electric bicycles are one of the most environmentally friendly means of transport Their role in the transition to low-carbon mobility is, according to Rérat [3], underestimated in debates on e-mobility, which tend to be monopolised by e-cars [4]. It is crucial here to make the public aware that contrary to some opinions [10], this type of transport brings environmental [14,15], and health [16,17], benefits These arguments could be very important as electric bikes have a real chance to replace car travel, as has already been documented in research [18,19]. This is relevant in countries with an underdeveloped cycling culture [20] and a low level of cycling policy, such as Poland [21]
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