Predictors to the frequency of using an electric bicycle sharing system: A case study to the influence of socio-demographics, lifestyle, motivations and barriers for using BiciMAD - the electric bicycle sharing system of Madrid

Abstract

Contemporary societies, and especially dense urban areas, are finding a solution to the high levels of air pollution and the high amount of overweight people due to physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles. One way in overcoming these problems is to set in motion a switch in people's travel mode choices. For example, by replacing private car trips with active travel modes such as (electric) bicycles. Since more and more cities are introducing bicycle sharing systems to their residents nowadays, this study aims to gain insight into the preferences and necessities of users. The goal of this study is to explore the predictors to the frequency of using BiciMAD, the electric bicycle sharing system of Madrid, introduced in June 2015. Based on a completed survey by 514 current BiciMAD-users, this study confirms that motivations and barriers to using an electric bicycle sharing system play a more important and influential role compared to socio-demographic and spatial variables. Cities aiming to introduce such a system in the near future may apply this study's outcomes when introducing and promoting the system to its urban residents.