Exploring the Elements of Private E-Cargo Bike Use: A Mixed-Methods Study

Project Description

To meet international 2030 climate targets, Ireland needs to halve emissions within its transport sector. In pursuing this target, a major stated policy goal is to encourage and facilitate members of the population to use sustainable transport modes instead of the private car. In light of revised climate action policy targets to reduce car use and increase active travel, e-cargo bikes have been proposed as a potential alternative to the private car. This potential may be greatest in the cargo- and passenger-carrying potential e-cargo bikes may provide relative to standard e-bikes, while improving the capabilities of standard cargo bikes. To date, there has been considerable research investigating the factors influencing both the uptake and use of cargo bikes – including e-cargo bikes. However, the great majority of this work has focused on the use of such bikes in small and large scale logistics operations, and has primarily relied on quantitative methods. In light of the relative absence of research into the enablers and barriers to e-cargo bike adoption as a car substitute for private use, this study will explore what various combination of elements (i.e., materials, competences, and meanings) are needed to make e-cargo bikes possible and attractive as a car substitute for cargo/passenger journeys among private users This will be achieved through qualitative interviews and observations followed by survey research with private e-cargo bike users. The findings could potentially inform ambitious policies to mainstream e-cargo bikes as a socio-technical alternative to car use in particular contexts across Ireland.