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Taking electric bikes for a spin with the RAC WA eBike TrialAITPM National ConferenceSydney, 26-29 July 2016

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ContentOverviewWhat the trial was aboutTrial designHow it workedTrial outcomesWhat it achievedMoving forwardKeeping the momentum going

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Overview

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About electric bikes (eBikes)

Bicycles with electric motors and rechargeable batteriesThey take the puff out of cycling.Two categories in WA those with 200 watt outputs and Pedalecs.

Rapidly expanding global marketGlobal annual sales of E-Bicycles are expected to exceed 40 million units by 2023, Navigant Research, 2014.

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About Perths congestion challenge

By 2031, seven of the nations ten most congested road corridors, including the top four, will be in Perth.Source: Infrastructure Australia, 2015.

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About the trial

The RAC eBike TrialFour workplaces 40 participants.Participants had exclusive access to an eBike for 10 weeks (31 August to 6 November 2015).

PurposeGain insight into user experiences.Better understand the potential of eBikes.Showcase the growing importance of personal mobility options, and benefits of cycling.

The Trial was supported by the City of Perth, City of Wanneroo, North Metropolitan Area Health Service through QEII Medical Centre Trust, University of Western Australia, and the WA Departments of Transport and Sport and Recreation through the Your Move program.

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Trial design

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Operational aspectsWorkplace lease systemeBikes loaned for storage at place of work and home.

Risk managementRobust risk assessment and mitigating controls:Induction process.Crash and breakdown procedures.Insurances and participation T&Cs.

eBike selection and procurementChoice of bike was important.Negotiation of supplier agreement.

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Participant recruitmentRecruitment processExpressions of interest.Eligibility criteria:All: be fit and healthy to ride, willing / able to commute by bike twice a week, and happy to share experiences.Wanneroo participants: live within Council area and be a Your Move participant.Other participants: live within 20km of work. 110 applicants from the four organisations.

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Data collection & evaluationSurveysBefore and after surveys capturing travel behaviours and perceptions.

Weekly travel diariesRecord of trips, experiences and issues encountered.Flexibility to complete daily, every couple of days or once a week. Unable to skip weeks.

Sharing of experiencesWhere has your eBike taken you?

Timely completion of travel diaries and the after survey was incentivised through prize draws but eBike usage was not.

Hanging out with my crewOh I do like to be beside the seaside

A ride through Kings Park on a sunny 200c lunch break

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Trial outcomes

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Commuting behavioursMode of travel for trips to and from work

Average:Car = 32%eBike = 55%

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Impacts on cycling and drivingLikelihood of driving lessLikelihood of cycling more than before the trial

even now the trial has finished, I am still getting up early in the morning to go for a scenic bike ride along the coast a UWA participant.

It has renewed my love of cycling, and now it is the only way I will commute to work a City of Perth participant. Note: Results based on the 32 after survey completions.

The e-bike trial experience changed my way of thinking and gave me the confidence to cycle as the primary mode of transport a City of Perth participant.

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Personal benefits of cycling24 out of 32 respondents made financial savingsCollectively saving over $1,600 per week.

7 reported time savings associated with their commuteCollectively saving around seven hours per week.

23 experienced a range of health / wellbeing and / or fitness benefits

The trial has also demonstrated the personal benefits of cycling for transport, with participants experiencing financial, time and health / wellbeing benefits.Participants collectively saved over $1,600 and 7 hours per week, which is pretty impressive. Health and wellbeing benefits included improved fitness, feeling fitter and more healthy, weight loss, feeling happier and less stressed and improved sleep quality.

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Increased awareness and appeal of eBikes

Extensive media and industry interestMedia coverage reached a total audience in excess of 500,000 (to 29/12/2016).

Satisfaction with eBike29 out of 32 satisfied with their eBike.31 out of 32 would recommend eBikes to others for commuting.17 participants (& a partner organisation) purchased bikes.

The trial was a life changing experience for me. it introduced me to eBikes which are an excellent option for active transport City of Wanneroo participant.

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Moving forward

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Lessons learned & considerationsKey lessons include:Maximise opportunities for engagement and activation.Understand and manage risks during trial design.Consider the exit strategy, are there opportunities to >> Encourage sustained behaviour change?

>> Keep the momentum going?

I'm most definitely interested in purchasing my e-Bike. I love it and can't imagine life without it City of Perth participant.

Embracing the power of eBikes and encouraging safe and responsible cycling.

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Taking eBikes for a spin

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AcknowledgementsThe RAC eBike Trial was supported by:

Special thanks go to the Trial Coordinators from each organisation and, of course, the 40 participants!

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Thank you! Any questions?

Sarah Macaulay,Manager, Transport PlanningRAC, Advocacy and Members sarah.macaulay@rac.com.au

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