Source: European Transport Studies Image Source: Eugenia Pan’kiv, Unsplash

Researchers at the Hochschule RheinMain have conducted a study on the use of speed pedelecs in Germany, with a particular focus on the role of cycling infrastructure in influencing the uptake and continued use of this transport mode.

Germany has regulations in place that restrict speed pedelecs (power-assisted bikes with pedal-support up to 45 km/h) from accessing most cycling infrastructure, apart from a few local exceptions. Researchers Elias Keller and Martina Lohmeier, from the Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering of Hochschule RheinMain, created a study based in Tübingen, the only city in Germany which has a network of cycle paths which are accessbile to speed pedelecs. Their aim was to assess the feasibility of the speed pedelec as a mode of everyday, sustainable transport.

Participants in the study were lent speed pedelecs for a period of six weeks, to use for commuting and other daily journeys. Their experiences were captured in questionnaires before, during and after the trial. Before and after the trial, they responded to questions about their mobility patterns, and attitudes towards speed pedelecs. During the trial, participants completed a daily diary questionnaire, detailing their experiences, interactions and risk situations.

Findings of the study

The study found that long-term intentions towards the use of speed pedelecs changed between the pre- and post-trial questionnaires for most participants, with a lack of suitable infrastructure the primary issue.

Participants stated they would like to have access to continuous cycle networks on a speed pedelec, preferably separated from car traffic. When participants had to use the road, they documented risky situations and interactions with cars, finding that car drivers often underestimated the speed of the participants.

Among those who had indicated a long-term intention to use speed pedelecs, there was a marked decrease in their ratings of road and cycling infrastructure.

The importance of suitable infrastructure at their end destination, especially safe parking and charging facilities, was also emphasised by participants.

Conclusion

The researchers summarised that “the results show that simply trying out speed pedelecs under the current conditions is not enough to promote their use in the long term. Rather, substantial improvements to the infrastructure are necessary to ensure safe, attractive and sustainable mobility with speed pedelecs.”