OTREC researchers explore e-bike perceptions

(Photo: OTREC)(Photo: OTREC)

Two Portland state researchers are working on ways to encourage more people to travel on bicycles, according to a report from the Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium (OTREC).

Researchers Jennifer Dill and John MacArthur are exploring people’s perceptions–particularly those of women, older adults and people with physical limitations–of electric-assist bikes, more commonly known as e-bikes. The researchers are looking at whether the e-bikes encourage these groups to ride bicycles.

In the spring of 2013, the Dill and MacArthur will loan ei-bikes equipped with GPS to 120 people in the Portland metropolitan region to see actual experiences. The cyclists will also be asked to complete a survey on their use of the e-bikes.