Travel Characteristics of E-bike Users: Survey and Analysis in Shanghai

In response to the rapid increase of electric bicycle (e-bike) usage; a questionnaire survey on e-bike users was conducted in Shanghai. Travel characteristics and traffic mode transferring features of e-bike users were analyzed. The mans results are as e-bike users are mostly in middle and low level income brackets; users of different ages or genders have no significant differences in terms of trip characteristics; e-bikes are mostly used for commuting, during which the travel time is generally less than 40 minutes; "more labor-saving than bike and more convenient and faster than bus" are the main reasons why users choose e-bikes; if the use of e-bike was prohibited. 55% of users would transfer their commuting mode to bus and 33% would choose bike as commuting mode. Findings in this survey are of good value for the function orientation of e-bike and policy-making. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.