Source: Fietsberaad Crow

Research conducted by the University of Twente reveals that the acceptance of the smart e-bike, a technology still under development, varies across countries and user demographics. While participants from five European countries generally rated functionality as the most important factor, Dutch respondents placed higher value on the enjoyment of using the bike. The findings provide policymakers with valuable insights on how to promote the adoption of smart e-bikes.

The smart e-bike was developed in response to rising concerns about the risks and severity of accidents involving e-cyclists. This bike alerts riders to potential collisions, communicates with infrastructure to provide quicker green lights, and suggests safe routes. In the event of a serious crash, the bike automatically notifies emergency services.

The questionnaire

To aid in the technical development and implementation of the smart e-bike, University of Twente researchers conducted a study on user acceptance. Between November 2022 and January 2023, they surveyed 1,589 respondents from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Greece—countries selected for their varying cycling infrastructure quality, bicycle usage, and cycling safety. The participants either used an e-bike or speed pedelec or were interested in purchasing one, with more than half of the respondents from the Netherlands.

Findings

The study found that the key factors driving acceptance of the smart e-bike are functionality, user enjoyment, and enhanced safety. For Dutch participants, enjoyment ranked higher than functionality, followed by social influence—the visibility of others using the bike. Acceptance is also higher among individuals over 60 years old or those who have experienced a bicycle accident. Familiarity with the technology contributes positively to acceptance, while poor cycling infrastructure and higher levels of education, likely due to greater car access, negatively impact it.

Implications

The insights from this research can help technology developers enhance the features of the smart e-bike that drive higher acceptance. For policymakers, the results highlight which aspects of the smart e-bike should be emphasized in future promotion efforts. When designing practical tests and encouraging adoption, it’s crucial to consider national context and the motivations of different target groups.

Read the full study here.