Exploring E-bikes in the Era of Electrification: Towards a More Sustainable and Equitable Transportation System

Innovative technologies have entered our lives, promising a safer, greener, and more affordable future of transportation, with electrification at the heart of this transformation. While increasing electrification is vital, further steps are needed to expand its benefits in terms of reducing congestion and promoting sustainable, accessible, and equitable transportation for all. In this respect, the primary objective of this study is to deepen our understanding of the barriers, concerns and needs associated with electric bikes (e-bikes). Apart from being a sustainable and active mode of transportation, bicycling has quickly emerged as one of the safest transportation modes in the face of the pandemic. The popularity of bicycling has grown even more when it comes to e-bikes, owing to their potential to improve a person’s ability to ride a bike over longer distances, on steeper grades, and/or despite physical disabilities or limitations that might otherwise be a barrier to using a bicycle. On the other hand, bicycling has faced with significant challenges in terms its equitable and safe access. For instance, many bike-share services have limited types of bikes, which may not be suitable for individuals with disabilities. Studies also noted the lack of diversity in the demographic distribution of bikeshare users, which has raised equity concerns. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, this study will explore challenges associated with the access to and use of e-bikes whether they are part of shared micromobility services or personally owned vehicles. A specific focus will be given to marginalized populations—particularly those with disabilities and elderly people—while also capturing racial/social inequities. Case studies will be conducted to examine differences in travel environments, distinctions between driver and non-driver populations as well as users and non-users. The research will help identify strategies to enhance safe and equitable access to new mobilities while reducing congestion.

    Language

    • English

    Project

    • Status: Active
    • Funding: $133270
    • Contract Numbers:

      69A3551947136

      79075-00-B

    • Sponsor Organizations:

      Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

      University Transportation Centers Program
      Department of Transportation
      Washington, DC  United States  20590

      National Institute for Congestion Reduction

      University of South Florida
      Tampa, FL  United States  33620
    • Managing Organizations:

      National Institute for Congestion Reduction

      University of South Florida
      Tampa, FL  United States  33620
    • Project Managers:

      Zhang, Yu

    • Performing Organizations:

      Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI)

      400 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South
      Suite 300
      College Station, TX  United States  77845-4375
    • Principal Investigators:

      Sener, Ipek

    • Start Date: 20220404
    • Expected Completion Date: 20230630
    • Actual Completion Date: 0
    • USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program

    Subject/Index Terms

    Filing Info

    • Accession Number: 01853959
    • Record Type: Research project
    • Source Agency: National Institute for Congestion Reduction
    • Contract Numbers: 69A3551947136, 79075-00-B
    • Files: UTC, RIP
    • Created Date: Aug 7 2022 3:34PM