Motivations and Barriers for Using Speed Pedelecs for Daily Commuting

Nikolaas Van Den Steen,Lieselot Vanhaverbeke,Bert Herteleer,Jan Cappelle

doi:10.3390/wevj10040087

Nikolaas Van Den Steen, Lieselot Vanhaverbeke + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj10040087

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Abstract

Speed pedelecs, electric bicycles that can provide pedal assistance up to 45 km/h, have seen rapid uptake over the past ten years in Flanders, Belgium, yet perceptions around motivators and barriers have not been studied and understood in detail. This paper reports on the qualitative experiences of 100 participants from 10 Flemish companies who replaced their commuting vehicle by a speed pedelec for up to three weeks. Focus groups provided data in the identification of the motivators and the barriers towards speed pedelecs in comparison to those for bicycles and pedelecs classified in nine categories. The results from the focus groups show notable differences in motivators for using speed pedelecs compared to bicycles and pedelecs—the higher available speed and range within a given timeframe, which provides the possibility of better time management. The mental benefits and the competitive aspect of commuting with a speed pedelec were identified as new motivators. The purchase cost and the perception of safety as barriers remain, with reliability, flexibility, and planning identified as new barriers.

Highlights

The electrification of road transportation as a strategy to reduce transport-related oil dependency, carbon dioxide (CO2 ) emissions, and urban air pollution is being supported by scientists, policy makers, and industry experts [1]
It even appears that a new category, Competiveness, can be added with regard to the motivators speed pedelec users have for commuting
The speed pedelec has the potential to be a sustainable alternative for cars with internal combustion engines for commuting purposes

Summary

Introduction

The electrification of road transportation as a strategy to reduce transport-related oil dependency, carbon dioxide (CO2 ) emissions, and urban air pollution is being supported by scientists, policy makers, and industry experts [1]. Battery electric vehicles have the potential to halve the impact on climate change [2] according to Well-To-Wheels (WTW) studies based on the current EU-mix for electricity [3] This transition to electric mobility is a step forward and only part of the solution. The switch to electric driving would even be more beneficial with a transition to light electric vehicles (LEVs) that are five times more energy efficient [4] than electric vehicles (EVs). To this high reduction of the environmental impact, LEVs could contribute to solving congestion problems.

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