Abstract
Throughout Israel, unlike other countries, a growing use of electric bicycle (EB) by youngsters (below 18) has been observed, accompanied by a drastic increase in the number of related injuries. This phenomenon is widely discussed by various authorities and media in Israel, whilst its characteristics are actually unknown. Existing literature on the use of EBs is limited. Thus, an opinion survey of young EB riders was conducted, with the aim of recording and analyzing the characteristics and general perception of teen EB users and to explore their behaviors. The results show that using EBs increases the frequency and the distance of teens’ daily commute. The use of EB improves mobility independence, allowing for less reliance on parents and a widening of potential destinations. In addition, the results indicate that a substantial percent of the teens are not familiar with the legal regulations concerning EBs having been involved in various dangerous behaviors. Though the overall preference is to use bicycle paths, the common acceptable alternative is pedestrian sidewalks. These results suggest that a combination of road safety education and training with an improvement of existing infrastructure are the best way to tackle this new and widespread phenomenon.
Highlights
Over the last decade, a rapid increase in the use of electric power-assisted bicycles throughout the world and in Israel has been observed
The current study is based on an opinion survey that aims to record and analyze how young e-cyclists perceive the scope and future of electric bicycle (EB) use, EB travel profiles and priorities, the characteristics of EB users, and EB-related risks experienced either personally or as a matter of perceived norms
We first examined the variation in riding EBs by gender and by age
Summary
A rapid increase in the use of electric power-assisted bicycles ( known as e-bicycles, e-bikes or pedelec; hereafter EB) throughout the world and in Israel has been observed. The electric bicycle sales in the world were over 40 million units in 2015, of which 36.8 million (91.9%) were sold in China and over 2.3 million (5.8%) in Europe [1]. The number of electric bicycles is rapidly rising in Europe: Between the years 2011–2015 the total amount of sales increased by 88% [1]. In countries, such as Austria and Germany, the sales of e-bicycles have doubled from 2010 to 2012, while in Switzerland the sales increased by 50% and in Italy and France by 20% [2]. Germany and the Netherlands are the leading EB markets, accounting for 44% and 21%, respectively, of the total European Union sales [1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
