Abstract

Despite a marked increase in electric bicycle (e-bike) research, few studies have looked at how parents or caretakers use e-bikes specifically to transport children. This is a missed opportunity, as parenthood often results in increased auto dependence. Getting more parents or caretakers on e-bikes or to continue biking would align with policies aimed at decreasing automobile dependence and increasing physical activity. This paper presents findings from in-depth interviews aimed to understand how families used e-bikes daily to transport their children, what factors motivated them to start, and what encourages them to continue this practice. Twenty parents and caretakers in the San Francisco Bay Area of the United States participated in the interviews which resulted in the following findings: e-bikes increased accessibility to communities, provided opportunities for greater physical activity, substituted for car trips, and allowed for more family quality time with the added benefit of reducing stress. The interviews also uncovered barriers like price and social stigmas, especially among less experienced or less committed cyclists. Finally, context matters. Bike infrastructure, local policies, and a supportive biking culture make it more likely that barriers would be overcome. More research is needed to understand the prevalence of family use of e-bikes, particularly in places with less supportive bike infrastructure and culture.

摘要

尽管电动自行车（电动自行车）研究显着增加，但很少有研究关注父母或看护人如何专门使用电动自行车来运送儿童。这是一个错失的机会，因为为人父母通常会导致对汽车的依赖增加。让更多父母或看护人骑上电动自行车或继续骑自行车将符合旨在减少汽车依赖和增加身体活动的政策。本文介绍了深入访谈的结果，旨在了解家庭如何每天使用电动自行车接送孩子，是什么因素促使他们开始，以及是什么鼓励他们继续这种做法。美国旧金山湾区的 20 名家长和看护人参加了访谈，得出以下发现：电动自行车增加了社区的可及性，为更多的体育活动提供了机会，代替了汽车旅行，并允许更多的家庭质量时间，以及减轻压力的额外好处。采访还发现了价格和社会污名等障碍，尤其是在经验不足或不那么忠诚的自行车手中。最后，上下文很重要。自行车基础设施、当地政策和支持性的自行车文化使障碍更有可能被克服。需要更多的研究来了解家庭使用电动自行车的普遍程度，特别是在自行车基础设施和文化支持较少的地方。尤其是在经验不足或不那么投入的骑自行车者中。最后，上下文很重要。自行车基础设施、当地政策和支持性的自行车文化使障碍更有可能被克服。需要更多的研究来了解家庭使用电动自行车的普遍程度，特别是在自行车基础设施和文化支持较少的地方。尤其是在经验不足或不那么投入的骑自行车者中。最后，上下文很重要。自行车基础设施、当地政策和支持性的自行车文化使障碍更有可能被克服。需要更多的研究来了解家庭使用电动自行车的普遍程度，特别是在自行车基础设施和文化支持较少的地方。