E-bike commuting related Urban Design

Ph.D. project by Junyu Hu

Why E-bike?
E-bikes are a cleaner form of transport that reduces carbon emissions and provides exercise compared to cars. It can also cater for most urban commutes of up to 25 kilometres. As the number of users increases, e-bike city development and urban design are closely linked. Traditional cycle paths and infrastructure may no longer be suitable for the new commuting patterns.

The research aims to further explore how different types of cities encourage the use of e-bikes over cars, examining the role of various transport modes in diverse urban settings. The goal is to identify the urban design elements that facilitate the use of e-bikes as an eco-friendly and efficient alternative to cars.

Literature review
The research began with a comprehensive literature review using the Web of Science database. Key terms like 'e-bike', 'electric bicycle', 'commuting', and related concepts were used to identify relevant articles. Approximately 252 articles were initially identified. After a thorough review, about half were deemed irrelevant, leaving 129 articles for in-depth study. These articles covered various aspects of e-bikes, such as user characteristics, technological advancements, sharing systems, and their role in replacing traditional vehicles.

Danish context analysis
The next phase of the research will concentrate on Danish e-bike infrastructure and user characteristics. This will involve a representative survey of 3.000 Danes and 30 qualitative interviews, aimed at understanding the role of e-bikes in replacing cars in various urban and rural contexts in Denmark. The project will delve into the distinct commuting patterns and vehicle usage in Danish urban and rural areas. The analysis will combine survey data with regional characteristics to understand the varying reliance and travel patterns of e-bike users in cities of different sizes.

For more information please contact Junyu Hu: junyu@ign.ku.dk