Electric bikes research

TMR has partnered with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) since 2019 to undertake research to gain a broader understanding of e-bike users and potential incentives and initiatives to support the adoption of e-bikes across Queensland.

Three research reports are available for download.

Australian e-bike owners and their experiences

This research from 2020 aimed to improve understanding of the current and planned uses of e-bikes, demographic profiles of e-bike users, use patterns and perceived challenges to and benefits of using an e-bike.

The research indicates that:

• E-bikes have the potential to replace other transport modes.
• E-bikes have the potential to increase the number of people riding bicycles for transport.
• E-bikes expand the range of trips that are possible by bicycle.
• There are challenges with owning and operating an e-bike.
• E-bike users have concerns about riding with other road users.

Download the full report, E-bike experience: Survey study of Australian e-bike users, from the QUT ePrints website.

Further investigation was undertaken in 2023 to examine the differences in motivators for, barriers to, and experiences with e-bike riding between Queensland male and female e-bike owners. Differences between e-bike owners living in South East Queensland and those in other areas of Queensland were also examined.

The research indicates:

• Most men and women use their e-bikes for transport rather than exercise, sport, or recreation.
• While more women than men ride for transport, men who use e-bikes for transport do so more often.
• Nearly all e-bike transport trips outside Brisbane replace motor vehicle trips, while in Brisbane, most e-bike transport trips replace motor vehicle trips.

Download the report Queensland Electric Bikes (e-bikes) Part 2: Understanding opportunities to encourage the use of e-bikes, from the QUT ePrints website.

Initiatives and incentives to encourage the use of e-bikes

This research from 2023 expands knowledge about potential e-bike users and owners. It explored perceptions, attitudes and concerns about e-bike use, factors that influence e-bike trial and purchase, and potential initiatives and incentives to encourage adoption.

The research indicates:

• The main barrier to adoption is the perceived excessive cost of e-bikes, particularly among people with lower household incomes.
• Other significant barriers include not feeling safe while riding an e-bike in traffic and the perception that there is nowhere safe to park or store at destinations.
• General awareness of e-bikes is high, but basic knowledge about e-bike safety and benefits is less well-understood.
• Potential e-bike users are most likely to be encouraged to trial an e-bike through a six-week e-bike loan (lending library).
• Potential e-bike owners are most likely to be incentivised to buy an e-bike through a rebate offered at the time of purchase.

Download the report, Queensland Electric Bikes (e-bikes) Part 3: Initiatives and incentives to encourage use of e-bikes, from the QUT ePrints website.