A new paper co-authored by Centre on Innovation and Energy Demand (CIED) Director Professor Benjamin Sovacool investigates the phenomenon of electric bicycles (e-bikes) in Nanjing city, China. The study looks at the factors that influence the adoption of e-bikes and whether they will become a popular sustainable option for travel in the future.
The researchers find that due to changes in regulations, use patterns, infrastructures, cultural discourse and travel preferences, e-bikes are only a “stepping stone” to fully car-based road transport, rather than a sign of a greener transport future.
To conduct the study, the researchers carried out a survey in Nanjing city to assess the attitude of e-bike users, as well as those of other road users, such as pedestrians.
Read the full paper.
Find out more about Benjamin Sovacool and his work at CIED.
