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Could It Be a Bike for Everyone? The Electric Bicycle in Poland

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  • Michał Adam Kwiatkowski

    (Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management, Department of Urban and Regional Development Studies, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Lwowska 1, 87-100 Toruń, Poland)

  • Elżbieta Grzelak-Kostulska

    (Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management, Department of Urban and Regional Development Studies, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Lwowska 1, 87-100 Toruń, Poland)

  • Jadwiga Biegańska

    (Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management, Department of Urban and Regional Development Studies, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Lwowska 1, 87-100 Toruń, Poland)

Abstract

The purpose of study was to find out how electric bikes are perceived in Poland, a country with a high level of motorisation and a low cycling culture. A key question was to investigate whether differences in perceptions between traditional (unassisted) and electrically assisted bicycles could bring about greater interest in bicycle transport. The analysis was based on the results of a CAWI survey analysing the perception of the electric bicycle in comparison with the traditional bicycle and the car. Its undoubted advantages are marginalised (only 14% of respondents considered it more practical). The position of the electric bicycle seemed to increase in the opinion of the surveyed only when used by elderly people with poorer fitness, as something that can encourage them to cycle. In general evaluations, it was the traditional bicycle that was seen as better for health. The presented results may serve as a signal that electric bicycles need more promotion in Poland, especially in terms of the benefits of using this mode of transport and the advantages over conventional bikes. The electric bicycle, due to its still low popularity in Poland, may be treated as a certain novelty, which is approached with some distrust and reserve.

Suggested Citation

  • Michał Adam Kwiatkowski & Elżbieta Grzelak-Kostulska & Jadwiga Biegańska, 2021. "Could It Be a Bike for Everyone? The Electric Bicycle in Poland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-19, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:16:p:4878-:d:611525
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Jadwiga Biegańska & Elżbieta Grzelak-Kostulska & Michał Adam Kwiatkowski, 2021. "A Typology of Attitudes towards the E-Bike against the Background of the Traditional Bicycle and the Car," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-21, December.

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