Understanding e-cargo bike substitution of car, cycling, and walking through domestic trials in three UK cities

This study examines ECB mode substitution using a mixed-methods approach combining travel diaries from 42 households participating in real-world ECB trials across Leeds, Oxford, and Brighton with 111 interviews. ECB trips mostly replaced car travel (60%), followed by conventional cycling (23%) and walking (17%). Regression analysis showed that car substitution was more likely among men, older adults, retirees, multi-car households and for passenger-carrying, shopping, child-escorting, and leisure trips. Qualitative findings further described a gradual process of building confidence, adapting routines, and integrating the ECB into everyday mobility, enabling progressively greater car substitution. For some, the ECB was viewed as a realistic alternative to a second car. The findings show that ECBs offer a versatile family mobility solution with substantial sustainability potential by reducing vehicle mileage and emissions, while supporting transitions towards car ownership renunciation. The study details targeted policy interventions that can maximise ECBs uptake and their contribution to sustainability.