Electric cargo bike with a twist: A field test of two innovative bicycle concepts

Conference poster, 2018

Electric cargo (e-cargo) bikes have superior carrying capacity compared to conventional bicycles. Consequently, both scholars and policymakers have proposed that e-cargo bikes might be the answer to realizing car-free living. This study aims to identify their potential to replace car-use from the user’s, the manufacturer’s and the city’s perspective. Two versions of an e-cargo bike concept, equipped with weather protection, were field tested across four professional organizations in Gothenburg, Sweden. In short, the data show that the demonstrated e-cargo bikes can replace certain car travel. Still, this modal shift seems contingent to strong organizational and managerial support.