How electric bikes reduce car use: A dual-mode ownership perspective

Abstract

Electric bikes (e-bikes) can play a vital role in sustainable transportation and reducing car dependence. However, questions persist regarding the extent to which e-bikes contribute to replacing and complementing car use and other modes, especially from dual-mode ownership (households with both cars and e-bikes) perspective. Utilizing the Household Travel Survey dataset from Jiading, Shanghai, this study reveals that: (1) e-bikes can lead up to a 19% reduction in car mode share in dual-mode ownership households compared to car-only households; (2) e-bikes encourage a greater variety of non-commuting activities compared to car-only households; (3) e-bikes have a minor negative effect on public transport mode share, while e-bikes enhance mobility for older people. Overall, these findings underscore the importance of e-bikes in reducing car dependence and achieving development goals towards sustainable transportation and age-friendly cities.