Light electric vehicles viewed as promising options when circumstances change
Comments Off on Light electric vehicles viewed as promising options when circumstances changeSource: LEVERAGE
Eindhoven University of Technology’s survey of 1,000 employed adults has revealed that when new job or relocation opportunities arise, more potential opens up for evaluating and switching commuting travel modes to LEVs such as e-bikes and e-scooters, especially for short distances.
Researcher Valeria Caiati from Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE) said that reconsideration of commuting options can be influenced by lifestyle changes of relocation or a new job.
“People hold very tightly to their habits, as our research shows. Moving or starting a new job disrupts the routine. That makes it a good time to interest people in alternative travel habits.”
Surveyed Dutch adults were asked about how they would commute to work from two potential scenarios:
- If they retained their current home and job
- Or if they relocated and changed employment
The options listed for both scenarios are: car, public transportation, walking, bicycle, e-bike or e-scooter, or an electric micro-car.
Respondents were also asked if they would consider buying a light electric vehicle (LEV), such as an e-bike or a microcar, and how much they would be prepared to pay for it.
A new routine can encourage change in travel habits
The study emphasises that people stick to their travel habits unless there’s an opportunity to change, such as a relocation or a job offer, which impacts commuting routines, with travel time and distance being the most influential factors in evaluating transport mode preferences.
- For short distances, Walking, cycling, e-bikes, and e-scooters are favoured more.
- For medium distances, the car is the preferred commuting option.
- For longer distances, commuters prefer to take the train.
Two- vs four-wheelers
Transport modes with two wheels, such as electric bikes and scooters, are viewed as relatively popular. From the survey responses, the researchers concluded that they are often viewed as an improved version of the standard non-electric bicycle in the Netherlands, with respondents willing to pay approximately €1,000-2,000.
Meanwhile, there was found to be more hesitance to four-wheeled vehicles such as the microcar, with respondents being more reluctant to buy one, with them viewing it more as a small car, than as a comfortable e-bike. For those purchasing a microcar, they accept its highly perceived price, which typically costs €10,000.
Policy timing
The survey reveals this as a key factor, implying that municipalities could inform new residents about various transportation options to increase awareness about available commuting options in the area.
Caiaiti explains: “Municipalities could send new residents a welcome package containing information on available local travel options and which option is most suitable for each commute. Employers could also play a role in this.”
Parking and commuting
The study implies that the impact of paid parking can present opportunities for residents if municipalities and politicians communicate the benefits of giving up their parking spaces, such as initiatives that would help them live an easier and healthier lifestyle, for example.
Caiati emphasises: ‘If you connect parking with, for example, more greenery, healthy living, and safe bike paths, more understanding and support will be generated. In co-creation with residents, it can then be examined which alternative modes of transport are attractive. Small pilots could be part of this. This makes it easier to investigate, together with residents, whether electric vehicles can be used for commuting.’
