Abstract
Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are considered a sustainable alternative to automobile transportation today. The electric bike includes all the benefits that conventional bicycles offer, plus faster, more comfortable and longer trips, as well as less effort for the user. In this paper, we specifically focus on a new type of e-bike, the so-called ‘solar-powered e-bike’. Therefore, this review paper explores existing literature findings for the use of solar energy in transportation, and more specifically in e-bikes. This paper aims to capture the status of and experiences with the use of e-bikes; more specifically, with solar-powered e-bikes. It presents research conducted so far on e-bikes and solar-powered e-bikes, as well as the main technical features of the solar e-bike. Finally, it analyzes a sample of e-bikes’ and solar-powered e-bikes’ users, based on Dutch National Travel Survey data and an experimental field study conducted in 2017. Data showed that the main target group of (solar) e-bikes are commuters in the age group between 40 and 60 years old, commuting distances longer than 6 km, with a gross income higher than €2500. Solar-powered e-bikes are concluded to have potential as a sustainable way of transportation in urban areas and cities, potentially replacing the conventional means of transport.
Highlights
One of the largest sources of air pollution in urban areas is transportation [1,2]
The survey results indicate that the mean age, gender, and commuting distance of the two data sources deviate significantly
When looking at the mean income, it seems that the OViN respondents have a slightly higher income than the solar e-bike users
Summary
One of the largest sources of air pollution in urban areas is transportation [1,2]. Air pollutants have numerous impacts on human health, the climate, ecosystems, and the built environment [1].European and worldwide authorities support emission-free mobility and consider it necessary for the development of their national sustainable strategies [3]. One of the largest sources of air pollution in urban areas is transportation [1,2]. Since 2000, governments have been promoting bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation to replace private cars [4], especially in urban areas where the terrain and the road network allow it. Bicycles could contribute to the reduction of air pollution, traffic congestion, noise emission, and energy consumption, allowing at the same time a healthier lifestyle for users [5]. The bicycle constitutes one of the most accessible and cheapest transportation modes (e.g., there is no extra cost for taxes, no driving license, parking costs or high service maintenance costs, as in the case of cars). Many cities have promoted cycling, especially by implementing bike-sharing programs for public use [6,7,8]
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