E-bike use and ownership in the Lake District National-Park UK

E-bike use in rural and tourist areas is under-researched and has potential to replace car journeys reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other impacts of car use. We studied the rural use of e-bikes in a tourist area (the Lake District National Park, UK) through Covid-19. Mixed methods were used; two waves (2020 & 2021) of a semi-panel quantitative survey; including open responses; supplemented by self-study field trips.

Key findings include high levels of e-biking in a wet and hilly area by generally older individuals, including a high proportion of female respondents. Usage was higher in 2020, partly due to lower traffic levels during Covid restrictions, but relatively high usage was maintained in 2021.

Users are substituting more car journeys than active travel and public transport trips, and amongst women, more errands than commutes. We found support for restraint of car use in the study area, along with support for secure e-bike parking, e-bike share schemes, and integration with public transport.

The implications for planners and policymakers are that policies supporting rural e-biking may be well received if they form part of greener transport plans including e-bike facilities, integration with public transport and car restraint. Promotion of e-bike use needs to shift from an urban commuting focus, to also consider rural areas errands and leisure trips. National parks and other rural tourist areas may confidently assume that hills and weather do not always act as barriers.