Understanding how commuters and communities engage with electrically-assisted cycling.
The aim of this EPSRC-funded project is to understand how people engage with (smart) e-cycling and the issues for policy, design/product development and research that could lead to a higher uptake of e-bikes in the UK, and thereby potentially reduce carbon emissions. The project is positioned at the intersection of more traditional cycling research, mobile media studies and user-centred design, and aims to understand electric cycling as a unique mode of transport, with distinctive potential and challenges in the UK context.
E-bikes – also known as electrically-assisted bicycles and pedelecs – have a small electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery to help propel machine and rider. The amount of assistance reduces with increasing speed and cuts out altogether once the rider reaches 25kmph, or if pedalling ceases.
Frauke Behrendt is a senior lecturer in Media Studies at the University of Brighton and is leading the EPSRC-funded research project.
You can find more detailed information about the project on their Smart e-bikes blog
