Pedelecs as New Tools for Active Mobility: ‘Cheating’ or Sustainable Transportation?

Abstract

In the last few years, a new form of transport, the electric bicycle (or pedelec), has entered the market and increased mobility options. A few empirical studies have already shown that pedelecs have the potential to reduce car trips. This chapter goes a step further and describes how and why electric bicycles enable more active and sustainable local mobility. But at the same time findings from the author’s current research show that the wider adoption and diffusion of this innovation is still limited by skeptical attitudes and prejudices toward electric bicycles. Therefore, one vital aim of this essay is to deepen the understanding of the relationship between pedelecs and sustainability and to widen the discussion about their (often unrecognized) potential far beyond their stereotype as vehicle for the elderly and lazy. To raise awareness of and expand support for electric bicycles, the article indicates that consideration of social and cultural factors, including the changing of discourses about cycling and pedelecs, is significant for the successful diffusion of this innovation throughout society.