Research and analysis

E-cycles rapid evidence assessment report

Reviews evidence from initiatives that aim to increase e-cycling and e-cargo use.

• From: Department for Transport
• Published: 31 October 2024

Documents

E-cycles rapid evidence assessment

PDF, 778 KB, 56 pages

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Details

The report collated information about the profile of e-cycle users and the barriers and motivations for e-cycle use. The report also sought to find any new evidence about the impact of e-cycle projects on increasing the uptake of e-cycles.

The main findings include:

• there is limited evidence about the characteristics of e-cycle users in the UK
• recurring motivators for e-cycle use relate to enjoyment, physical and mental health, ability to ride longer and faster, reduced physical effort compared to using a conventional cycle and overcoming hilly terrain
• a barrier to the use of e-cycles is the high cost of purchasing an e-cycle
• shared e-cycle schemes can give people the chance to experience an e-cycle without committing to buy one, which may lead to a decision to buy an e-cycle in the future
• there is evidence that shared e-cycle schemes can encourage e-cycle use, at least in the short term
• there is some evidence that e-cycle schemes can enable people to shift mode from private cars
• there is additional evidence of modal shift from public transport

Published 31 October 2024