The emergence of E-bikes, an evolution in the cycling culture of the Netherlands

For the first time, in 2018, the number of E-bikes sold in the Netherlands were higher than conventional bikes. Shifting away from cars is definitely something to be promoted as it would help mitigate CO2 emissions. However, shifting away from conventional bikes and transit use with E-bike is a phenomenon that is worth investigating to assess its implications on the long term. As it stands, there is a call for further research into the subject of electric bikes in the literature (Hendriksen et al., 2008; Loijen, 2011; Lee et al., 2014; de Haaz, 2019). This work aims to assess whether the shift to E-bikes is merely an upgrade of the conventional bicycle, or if it is instilling itself as the new way of transport in the transit world. An explanatory approach is adopted for this study to explicate this specific trend of modal shift and the factors affecting it in a detailed manner. This oversight was addressed by first explaining which factors drive conventional bike users to shifting to an E-bike. Secondly, analyzed the extent to which this shift impacted the individuals’ travel behavior change and the travel attitudes they are currently adopting. And lastly, assessed if the travel behavior change has an effect on the usage of other modes of transport. The information required for this research has been collected from the literature. After the factors and the variables have been mapped, a mixed method involving the collection of both qualitative data through semi-structured interviews and quantitative data through a survey. The results show that factors behind owning an E-bike varies from one person to another. Some of the reasons serve practicality; where users are looking for faster and more efficient alternatives or to simply travel longer distances without getting tired, while others are more related to each individual’s preference and the way they perceive cycling; being it crucial vs. complementary element for their means of transport. Even though the reasons for adopting an E-bike are varied, the consequences remain the same. The majority of users had similar changes in their travel behaviors. Users are now able to cycle faster, and to longer distances more efficiently even under harsh weather. Despite being more expensive than traditional bicycles, users found it worthy to pay for that extra comfort, and autonomy. However, those advantages are coming at the cost of avoiding public transport. This is because an E-bike is offering the users the ability to reach places more efficiently than while on a bus, tram, or a metro, as there is no wasted time while waiting. Other aspects that contributed to the emergence of E-bikes are city-dependent. An E-bike would be an attractive alternative to the bus in those cities where a tram, or metro are not available. On the other hand, it was shown that the train was the most immune to this transition, as it offers a speed, and an ability to move long distances; features to which an E-bike can’t compete, yet, given its limited battery life. Hence, it can be safely assumed that E-bikes are more of a replacement to the Bus, Metro, and Tram rather than being complementary. Many respondents consider their E-bikes as their new mean of transport and not an upgrade of the conventional bike.