eBike Adoption by Older Riders

As a population ages, individuals face phys­ical constraints and health issues that restrict their ability to travel. Limited mobility poses challenges to maintaining a residence in one’s own home or neighborhood often resulting in an undesired relocation to assisted communities.  Unfortunately, these limitations can lead to secondary health issues, and marginalization within society.

eBikes are exploding in popularity among younger riders around Laguna yet face barriers to adoption by city policy makers, older riders and riders with varying (dis)abilities. Given the variety of topography inaccessible by bicycles and the gentrification of its residents (median age 50) unable to master a bicycle, ebikes are the enabler in Laguna Beach. 

eBikes also meet target criteria set in the Laguna Beach General Plan:

• preserve a small scale village community
• reduce traffic congestion from a car-centric mobility policy
• remove the need for parking, expensive structures and enforcement
• Meets GHG emission reduction goals
• Consistent with National DOT strategy for street accessibility.

The body of research knowledge on eBikes continues to grow but the lack of research on marginalized groups like older riders, persists. In a new study at Texas A&M and The Unversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign funded by the US Department of Transportation studied eBikes for these marginalized groups to achieve greater eBike adoption in our mobility plan. The study aimed to fill this knowledge gap and help realize the potential of eBikes for all users. From the study:

The findings suggested that disabilities and advanced age negatively affected the way people perceive e-bikes. Conversely, positive perceptions were shaped by various factors including e-bike experience, personal cycling history, and openness to innovative technology.

Significant concerns about e-bikes included safety, security, social stigma imposed on electric assistance, and loss of disability benefits. Along with these concerns, lack of knowledge, misperceptions, limited access, high purchase costs, and inadequate infrastructure were identified as major deterrents to adopting e-bikes. 

The same findings ring true for adoption Complete Street Policy; highlighting the need for programs, policies, and public education to promote the acceptance of e-bikes as mobility aids. The study directs further research to prioritize older adults and those with challenged abilities who lack eBike experience. The study recommends exploring the perceptions of key community stakeholders whose perspectives directly influence the wider adoption of e-bikes, including mobility planners, health pro­fessionals, families and caregivers.

-LS