The Ultimate Bikes Beginner’s Guide to Riding Electric Bikes in 2024
The evaluation of electric bikes riders’ comfort perception is a key aspect in understanding user needs, which can be assessed through Level-of-Service (LOS) investigations. However, the electric bike-specific LOS (ELOS) concept remains underdeveloped, and the existing research on e-bike travel behaviors is notably scarce. In this paper, we leverage traditional bike LOS (BLOS) research as a groundwork to identify gaps in the ELOS framework. Beyond BLOS, the comfort experienced by e-bike riders and the distinctions between standard bicycles and e-bikes were closely examined. Additionally, studies on travel behaviors and e-bike modal shifts were reviewed to paint a clearer picture of the needs and preferences of e-bike riders.
Drawing from these domains, we propose an initial conceptual model aimed at advancing ELOS. The findings reveal a scarcity of studies that directly evaluate ELOS or integrate e-bikes into the BLOS methodology. Furthermore, the degree to which e-bikes replace cars, public transport, and traditional bicycles can vary from partial to total substitution, influencing the development of the ELOS model. This replacement dynamic contributes to a deeper understanding of ELOS, especially in adapting LOS metrics from other transportation modes.
Moreover, it is apparent that the evolution of ELOS will necessitate further investigation, particularly in the area of e-bike interactions within shared mobility environments where vulnerable road users are present. These insights serve as a valuable foundation for researchers and policymakers seeking to address the knowledge gaps in ELOS and to establish a preliminary conceptual framework for its advancement.
With the rapid surge in global e-bike adoption, it becomes imperative to propose dedicated metrics for ELOS (Electric Bike Level of Service), while revisiting and refining existing LOS indices to better cater to the nuances of e-bike usage. The primary aim of this investigation is to pinpoint the knowledge void surrounding ELOS and to offer valuable insights that can shape the formation of ELOS indices. To tackle this challenge, we introduce a foundational conceptual model, accompanied by a comprehensive checklist, designed to guide the evolution of ELOS.
E-bike vs. Traditional Bike
E-bikes can be categorized based on various factors such as power output, velocity, and structural design. The electric power provided by e-bikes can be divided into three main types: pure e-bikes, power-assisted e-bikes (also known as pedelecs), and a hybrid combination of both. In the case of the pure e-bike, pedaling is unnecessary; the motor is powered entirely by the battery, controlled by a throttle on the handlebar. On the other hand, power-assisted e-bikes (pedelecs) are a human-electric hybrid that provides assistance while the rider pedals, using sensors to detect either pedal speed, force, or both. The third type, a fusion of the pure and power-assisted models, allows control via both the throttle (for pure motor-driven power) and a combination of pedal effort and motor power.
The European Commission has further divided e-bikes into categories based on speed and motor capacity, distinguishing powered bikes and mopeds as the two primary classes of throttle-controlled e-bikes. Powered bikes, with a speed under 25 km/h and motor power under 1000 W, fall under one category, while mopeds, which boast speeds between 25 and 45 km/h and motor powers ranging from 1000 to 4000 W, belong to the second group. Speed-pedelecs (S-Pedelecs), which require pedaling, can achieve speeds exceeding 32 km/h, and are also considered mopeds. The marketplace offers an expansive variety of e-bike designs, spanning from traditional bicycle styles to models more reminiscent of scooters
built-in motor and battery
Due to the built-in motor and battery, e-bikes are typically heavier than traditional bikes. However, the power assistance enables higher speeds with less physical effort, which alters the dynamics of riding. E-bike users can more easily plan for extended trips with reduced strain, a key difference between e-bike and traditional bike usage. For utilitarian purposes, such as commuting, e-bikes emerge as a viable alternative to motorized forms of transport like public transit, owing to their ability to reduce physical exertion while covering greater distances.
adaptability of e-bikes
The adaptability of e-bikes, particularly in terms of power regulation and the ability to switch between e-bike and traditional bike modes, makes them attractive for recreational use as well. These multifaceted characteristics complicate the evaluation of riding comfort, as e-bikes can cater to both leisurely and practical trips. In previous Bicycle Level of Service (BLOS) research, speed has been a primary indicator, but a deeper understanding of how speed influences comfort is essential for shaping the Electric Bike Level of Service (ELOS) framework.
cross-referencing e-bike
This framework was formulated by cross-referencing e-bike literature with established BLOS (Bicycle Level of Service) studies, and by drawing from findings in travel behavior and research on the substitution of traditional modes of transport by e-bikes. The outcomes of this investigation propose a potentially actionable framework for embedding ELOS into practice. As far as the authors are aware, this is the first systematic exploration of ELOS, examining the relevant research domains necessary for the development of this emerging concept.
