In the German passenger transport sector, individual motor transport and especially cars remain responsible for a large share of greenhouse gas emissions. Speed pedelecs, bikes with pedal-support up to 45 km/h, are often discussed as potential car replacements. However, in Germany, their usage is limited by regulation that restricts them from accessing most cycling infrastructure. This study evaluates the experiences of speed pedelec users in Tübingen, the only city in Germany where a network of cycle paths is accessible to speed pedelecs, and assesses whether the speed pedelec is perceived to be a feasible mode of everyday transport in this context. borrowed speed pedelecs for around six weeks to use on their commuting and other journeys. Before and after the trial, participants responded to a questionnaire on mobility patterns and attitudes to speed pedelecs. During the trial, they completed daily diary questionnaires on their experiences, interactions and risk situations. The results of the study show that the participants primarily used the speed pedelec for commuting or other everyday journeys, thereby replacing a moderate amount of car journeys. However, the long-term intention to use speed pedelecs changed between the pre- and post-trials for most of the participants. This is primarily due to the lack of infrastructure. The participants would like to have continuous cycle networks with wide cycle paths, preferably separated from car traffic, which they are allowed to use with speed pedelecs. Particularly when the participants had to use the road, they documented risky situations with cars, which often underestimated the speed of the participants There was a particular decrease in the ratings of road and cycling infrastructure among those whose intention to use speed pedelecs in the long term decreased over the course of the study. In addition, the importance of suitable infrastructure at the destination - especially safe parking and charging facilities - is emphasised. To summarise, the results show that simply trying out speed pedelecs under the current conditions is not enough to promote their use in the long term. Rather, substantial improvements to the infrastructure are necessary to ensure safe, attractive and sustainable mobility with speed pedelecs. • Speed pedelecs, as bikes with pedal support of 45 km/h, can replace many car trips. • Current German regulation prevents access to bike path, with few local exceptions. • Most risky situations reported involved cars, often because drivers underestimated the speed of the pedelecs. • Findings show that the use of cycling infrastructure is imperative for its attractiveness. • Participants require segregated, continuous and well-maintained cycle tracks.
Keller et al. (Fri,) studied this question.