E-bike Users Research Articles

Users’ Attitude and Satisfaction towards E-Bikes: A Study in Erode District

Global warming is a major concern all over the world. There are several policies, promises and pledges to save environment. With the ever increasing emission of greenhouse gases, there is an increased fear of environment pollution at every step. With modern technology and innovation, transportation and communication have undergone a paradigm shift. Increased numbers of fossil-fuel dependent vehicles, not only add to greater level of pollution but are also leading to depletion of fuel resources. This has necessitated automobile companies to innovate motorized vehicles that get charged through electricity and do not depend on fossil fuels. This led to the expansion of eco-friendly initiatives and many automobile manufacturing companies have invested in bringing forth E-Bikes, known as Electric Bikes, which help people save a few bucks by reducing consumption of already spiraling fuel price, besides fighting global warming. E-Bikes are environment friendly as air and noise pollutions are much reduced. In this backdrop, an attempt has been made in this study to analyze users' attitude towards E-Bikes in Erode district of Tamil Nadu. The study has divulged that 'smooth driving' is the most influencing factor in the purchase decision of users; none of the socio-economic variables has any significant association with the satisfaction of e-bike users; and however, 'poor battery life' is the most significant problem faced by them.

E-bike use in Sweden – CO2 effects due to modal change and municipal promotion strategies

There is a strong political desire to reduce the use of fossil fuels in road transport. In this paper, the use of e-bikes (of the pedelec type) in Sweden is analysed by focusing on changes in travel behaviour and their corresponding effects on CO2 emissions. The aim is to analyse the effect on CO2 emissions due to the use of e-bikes. The analysis is carried out on the possible differences in changed travel behaviour between areas dominated by either urban or rural environments. It is based on a combination of responses to a questionnaire distributed to e-bike users and a survey of local transport planners in Swedish municipalities. The results indicate that there are large gains to be made from e-bike usage in terms of decreased CO2 emissions through a reduction in car mileage. Furthermore, the results indicate that the potential for e-bikes to replace car trips is as great in rural areas as it is in urban areas. At the same time, the results indicate that the Swedish municipalities carrying out e-bike campaigns target trips in both urban and rural areas, therefore representing an effective promotion strategy to achieve the full CO2 emissions reducing potential of e-bike use. This study also shows that, depending on the type of errand being carried out, more respondents living in urban areas than in rural areas replace their conventional bicycle trips with e-bike trips. Thus, the use of e-bikes produces some less than desirable effects, such as reduced physical activity.

E-bike safety: Individual-level factors and incident characteristics

Abstract As electrically assisted bicycles (e-bikes) become more widespread, the number of crashes in which they are involved is also growing. We used data from a survey of 685 e-bike users in Denmark to examine the factors which contribute to perceived e-bike safety and involvement in safety critical incidents. Using regression analyses, we demonstrated that riding style and e-bike attitude played a crucial role in both perceived safety and involvement in safety critical incidents. Age and female gender were negatively associated with perceived safety. 29% of participants had experienced at least one safety critical incident that they believed would not have happened on a conventional bike. The most frequent explanation offered for these situations was that other road users had underestimated the speed of the e-bike, followed by rider problems regulating e-bike speed. Older cyclists were more likely to report problems maintaining balance due to the weight of the e-bike. Preventive measures discussed include awareness campaigns and making it easier to distinguish e-bikes from conventional bicycles to address the problem of underestimation of speed. We also identified a need to familiarise with the e-bike before using it in demanding traffic situations.

전기자전거 응용을 위한 배터리 충전 기능 내장형 부스트 컨버터

In the conventional E-bike, a 42 V/10 A Li-ion battery drives a 24 V/10 A BLDC motor via a 6-switch PWM DC/AC inverter. The major problems of the conventional battery-fed motor drive systems are listed as follows. To charge the battery, an external battery charger (adapter) is required, which degrades the portability of E-bike users. In addition, given the high-frequency operation of the motor drive inverter, the switching losses are significant, which degrades the whole power efficiency. High-voltage batteries (42 V) require a complex battery management system (BMS), which degrades the reliability of the battery pack. In this paper, an embedded boost-converter battery charger for E-bikes is proposed. The variable output boost converter, which converts 16.8 V battery voltage to the required variable voltage of the inverter input, can use a low-voltage battery and thus improve the reliability of batteries. By varying the inverter input voltage via boost converter, a DC link voltage control method can be applied to reduce the switching frequency of the inverter, which improves the whole power efficiency. Given that the function of a flyback charger is integrated in the proposed boost converter, the portability of the E-bike user can be maximized by excluding an external adapter. The validity of the proposed circuit will be confirmed by operation mode analysis and simulation. Moreover, experimental results of integrative charger using Li-ion battery and 200 W motor test will be showed with a prototype sample as well.

Age and attitude: Changes in cycling patterns of different e-bike user segments

ABSTRACTThe use and purchase of electric bicycles (e-bikes) is emerging in many countries. Existing knowledge about changes in cycling patterns and car replacement after gaining e-bike access is limited and partly contradictory. Based on an online survey among e-bike users in Denmark (n = 427), this study looked into these effects by differentiating between different segments of e-bike users. We distinguished four age groups as well as three segments based on cycling attitudes and motives for the use and purchase of e-bikes: (1) enthusiastic e-bikers showed the most positive attitudes toward e-bikes and mainly bought an e-bike to increase cycling frequency; (2) utilitarian e-bikers already cycled regularly before having access to an e-bike and used the e-bike particularly for practical purposes and to reduce travel time; (3) recreational e-bikers were very positive about e-bike use but used it less regularly and mainly for long-distance recreational trips. Enthusiastic e-bikers reported the highest increase in overall cycling. Half of the enthusiastic e-bikers agreed that they bought the e-bike to replace a car. Differences between the four age groups were less pronounced. Nevertheless, we found that e-bike access decreased age differences in self-reported cycling frequency, whereas it increased differences in self-reported distances. Measures to increase e-bike use should primarily focus on potential enthusiastic e-bikers. Possible interventions include promotional campaigns at workplaces, intended to address not only instrumental but also affective motives of e-bike use.

Dynamics of electric bike ownership and use in Kunming, China

The rapid adoption of electric bikes (e-bikes) (~150 million in 10 years) has come with debate over their role in China's urban transportation system. While there has been some research quantifying impacts of e-bikes on the transportation system, there has been little work tracking e-bike use patterns over time. This paper investigates e-bike use over a 6-year period. Four bi-annual travel diary surveys of e-bike users were conducted between 2006 and 2012 in Kunming, China. Choice models were developed to investigate factors influencing mode-transition and motorization pathways. As expected, income and vehicle ownership strongly influence car-based transitions. Younger and female respondents were more likely to choose car-based modes. Systematic and unobserved changes over time (time-dynamics) favor car-based modes, with the exception of previous car users who already shifted away from cars being less likely to revert to cars over time. E-bikes act as an intermediate mode, interrupting the transition from bicycle to bus and from bus to car. Over 6 years, e-bikes are displacing prospective bus (65→55%), car/taxi (15→24%) and bicycle (19→7%) trips. Over 40% of e-bike riders now have household car access so e-bikes are effectively replacing many urban car trips.

From e-bike to car: A study on factors influencing motorization of e-bike users across China

Household car ownership has risen dramatically in China over the past decade. At the same time a disruptive transportation technology emerged, the electric bike (e-bike). Most studies investigating motorization in China focus on macro-level economic indicators like GDP, with few focusing on household, city-level, environmental, or geographic indicators, and none in the context of high e-bike ownership. This study examines household vehicle purchase decisions across 59 cities in China with broad geographic, environmental, and socio-economic characteristics. We focus on a subset of households who own e-bikes and rely on a telephone survey from an industry customer database. From these responses, we estimate two three-level hierarchical choice models to assess attributes that contribute to (1) recent car purchases and (2) the intention to buy a car in the near future. The results show that the models are dominated by household characteristics including household income, household size, household vehicle ownership, number of licensed drivers and duration of car ownership. Some geographic, environmental and socio-economic factors have significant influences on car purchase decisions. Only two city-level transportation variable have an effect – higher taxi density and higher bus density reducing car purchase. Cold weather, population density gross domestic product per capita positively influence car purchase, while urbanization rate reduces car purchase. Because of supply heterogeneity in the data set, described by publicly available urban transportation data, this is the first study that can include geographic and urban infrastructure differences that influence purchase choice and suggests potential region-specific policy approaches to managing car purchase may be necessary.

Why early adopters engage in interpersonal diffusion of technological innovations: An empirical study on electric bicycles and electric scooters

Early adopters promoting electric vehicles in their social network may speed up market uptake of this technology. Apart from their opinion leader status, few previous research details the motivations which turn early adopters into advocates for innovation who approach the non-adopters among their family and friends, or casual acquaintances.Drawing on a survey among 1398 e-bike and 133 e-scooter early adopters in Austria, personal drivers of engagement in interpersonal diffusion are investigated. Longitudinal data one year later for 157 e-bike users allows tests of causal relations. A complementary sample of 33 network peers illustrates the early adopters’ social impact.Early adopters engage actively in discussing product features, instigating trial behavior and recommending purchase. Analyses by structural equation modeling show that efforts at interpersonal diffusion are driven by opinion leadership, experienced product performance, and perceived normative expectations of others toward pro-environmental technologies. Mediator and moderator analyses underline that opinion leadership is conveyed upon early adopters because personal norms and technophilia qualify them as credible and competent for the specific topic of e-vehicles. Social norm interrelations point to dynamic interactions and discourse between early adopters and their addressees. Evidence from the peer sample suggests though that the persuasive impact of early adopters is small.To accelerate market entry of electric vehicles, public or private agencies should foremost approach early adopters scoring high in the identified drivers, and empower them in their role as multiplicators by providing pre-prepared product information and encouraging them to continuously address peers.

A Preliminary Analysis Over the Factors Related with the Possession of an Electric Bike

In recent decades different studies focused on how to incentivize a shift from car to bicycle. In this context the electric bike is gaining more and more popularity. Because of its higher speed and longer reach, the e-bike could be an attractive alternative to the car. Through an online survey (together with a GPS tracking campaign and a weekly travel diary) conducted in the city of Ghent (Belgium) we define the profile of the e-bike users (age, income, ownership, etc…) and analyze their mobility habits (distance travelled, purpose of the trip, etc…). The initial results obtained from a travel diary survey show how the e-bike is highly used for commuting trips while for more occasional trips (at most once per week) the car is the preferred alternative. Moreover, the analysis of the changes in the mobility habits after the acquisition of the e-bike shows how the e-bike has mainly incorporated the trips performed by bike while also causing an increase of the frequency for some trips. Summarizing, in this paper we propose a preliminary analysis over the factors correlated with the ownership of an e-bike and an overview about how people changed their mobility habits after the acquisition of the e-bike.

Technology adoption of electric bicycles: A survey among early adopters

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) may reduce energy use, air pollution and noise for private transportation through a modal shift from fossil-fuel powered vehicles to e-bikes on short distance trips. However, designing effective promotion campaigns for the adoption of e-bikes requires detailed knowledge on user characteristics and motivations. In order to explain e-bike use on work, shopping and leisure trips, the present study combines concepts from technology adoption with factors derived from research on mobility behaviour. The study employs structural equation modeling to survey data from 1398 Austrian early adopters who purchased an e-bike between 2009 and 2011.Results show that early adopters are predominantly comprised of persons aged 60years or older who mainly use the e-bike for leisure trips. Carbon-intensive travel modes on commuting trips are barely substituted. Early adopters typically hold pro-environmental and technophile attitudes. E-bike use is most driven by perceived usefulness, which in turn depends on an easy use, appropriate infrastructure, also user’s norms and attitudes towards environment and physical activity. Comparison by trip purpose shows that a supportive social environment and personal ecological norms influence e-bike use on work and shopping trips, whereas leisure use of e-bikes is driven by attitudes towards physical activity. Comparison by age groups underlines that older e-bike users are more dependent on practical usefulness of the technology and facilitating road infrastructure. Therefore, e-bike promotion strategies should differentiate between trip purpose and age segments when selecting target groups.

Experiences of electric bicycle users in the Sacramento, California area

In some parts of the world, electric bicycles (e-bikes) represent a significant share of daily travel, though they are still rare in the United States. The small size and maneuverability of e-bikes that are assets in cities in China may not be as important in the U.S., where cities are built to accommodate cars, but their potential as a substitute for cars makes them an important part of the discussion around sustainable transportation. In this study we conducted 27 interviews with e-bike users in the greater Sacramento area in which we asked participants about the reasons why they chose to invest in an e-bike, the ways in which they use their e-bikes, positive and negative aspects of using e-bikes, and reactions from friends and family members. Several important themes emerged from the interviews. The functional characteristics of e-bikes, particularly greater speed and acceleration than conventional bicycles with less exertion, contribute to several positive aspects of their use, including enabling more people to bicycle, more trips to be made by bicycle, and more fun for their users. The result, for these users, was an overall decrease in driving, with some users getting rid of their car altogether. Negative aspects cited by users include security concerns, safety concerns, unwieldiness, and range anxiety. Participants also discussed several misperceptions on the part of non-users that could inhibit their adoption. These results provide insights for the development of e-bike policy and guidance for future research.

Electric Bikes in North America

The research described in this paper was conducted in part to understand whether different bicycling technology–-in this case, electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes)–-could reduce barriers to bicycling such as trip distance, topography, time, and rider effort. If so, this technology may result in more bike trips and longer bike trips and may increase the diversity of people bicycling, including people with disabilities or chronic injuries. An e-bike typically resembles a standard pedal bicycle with the addition of a rechargeable battery and electric motor to assist with propulsion. To address these aims, an online survey was conducted of existing e-bike users, who were surveyed about their purchase and use decisions. Responses from 553 e-bike users across North America were analyzed. Results suggest that e-bikes enable users to bike more often, to travel longer distances, and to carry more cargo with them. Additionally, e-bikes allow people who otherwise would not be able to bike (because of physical limitations or proximity to locations) the ability to bike with electric assist.

Travel Characteristics of E-bike Users: Survey and Analysis in Shanghai

In response to the rapid increase of electric bicycle (e-bike) usage, a questionnaire survey on e-bike users was conducted in Shanghai. Travel characteristics and traffic mode transferring features of e-bike users were analyzed. The main results are as follows: e-bike users are mostly in middle and low level income brackets; users of different ages or genders have no significant differences in terms of trip characteristics; e-bikes are mostly used for commuting, during which the travel time is generally less than 40minutes; “more labor-saving than bike and more convenient and faster than bus” are the main reasons why users choose e-bikes; if the use of e-bike was prohibited, 55% of users would transfer their commuting mode to bus and 33% would choose bike as commuting mode. Findings in this survey are of good value for the function orientation of e-bike and policy-making.

Electric Two-Wheelers in China

Despite rapid economic growth in China during the past decade and the rise in personal car ownership, most Chinese still rely on two-wheeled vehicles (2WVs) or public transport for commuting. The majority of these 2WVs are bicycles. In recent years, concern about poor air quality in urban areas and rising energy costs have caused cities to ban gasoline-powered scooters in city centers. Simultaneously, a new 2WV mode emerged to fill the void: the electric bike (e-bike). This shift to e-bikes is occurring rapidly throughout China, especially in its cities. E-bike sales reached 10 million per year in 2005 as more bike and public transit users shifted to this mode. City planners and policy makers are undecided on how to plan for and regulate e-bikes because it is not yet clear what effect they will have on travel behavior, public transportation use, and safety. To begin to understand these effects, bike and e-bike users were surveyed in Shijiazhuang, a medium-size city with particularly high 2WV use, to identify differences in travel characteristics and attitudes. The following conclusions were reached (partial list): (a) e-bikes are enabling people to commute longer distances, with important implications for energy use, accessibility, and urban expansion of cities; (b) people underserved by public transportation are shifting to e-bikes; and (c) women feel safer crossing intersections on an e-bike compared with a regular bike, but they have strong reservations about increasing e-bike speed capability.

Auxiliary police: The citizens guide to safety: Martin A. Greenberg. Greeenwood Press (88 Post Road West, Box 5007, Westport, Connecticut 06881), 1984, 231 pp., hardcover—$29.95.

The rapid adoption of electric bikes (e-bikes) (~150 million in 10 years) has come with debate over their role in China's urban transportation system. While there has been some research quantifying impacts of e-bikes on the transportation system, there has been little work tracking e-bike use patterns over time. This paper investigates e-bike use over a 6-year period. Four bi-annual travel diary surveys of e-bike users were conducted between 2006 and 2012 in Kunming, China. Choice models were developed to investigate factors influencing mode-transition and motorization pathways. As expected, income and vehicle ownership strongly influence car-based transitions. Younger and female respondents were more likely to choose car-based modes. Systematic and unobserved changes over time (time-dynamics) favor car-based modes, with the exception of previous car users who already shifted away from cars being less likely to revert to cars over time. E-bikes act as an intermediate mode, interrupting the transition from bicycle to bus and from bus to car. Over 6 years, e-bikes are displacing prospective bus (65→55%), car/taxi (15→24%) and bicycle (19→7%) trips. Over 40% of e-bike riders now have household car access so e-bikes are effectively replacing many urban car trips.