Article Motivations and Barriers for Using Speed Pedelecs for Daily Commuting Nikolaas Van den Steen 1,2,* , Bert Herteleer 1 , Jan Cappelle 1 and Lieselot Vanhaverbeke 2 1 Energy and Automation Research Group, KU Leuven Technology Campus Ghent; Gebroeders de Smetstraat 1, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; [email protected] (B.H.); [email protected] (J.C.) 2 Research Group MOBI, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 31 October 2019; Accepted: 29 November 2019; Published: 3 December 2019 Abstract: Speed pedelecs, electric bicycles that can provide pedal assistance up to 45 km/h, have seen rapid uptake over the past ten years in Flanders, Belgium, yet perceptions around motivators and barriers have not been studied and understood in detail. This paper reports on the qualitative experiences of 100 participants from 10 Flemish companies who replaced their commuting vehicle by a speed pedelec for up to three weeks. Focus groups provided data in the identification of the motivators and the barriers towards speed pedelecs in comparison to those for bicycles and pedelecs classified in nine categories. The results from the focus groups show notable differences in motivators for using speed pedelecs compared to bicycles and pedelecs—the higher available speed and range within a given timeframe, which provides the possibility of better time management. The mental benefits and the competitive aspect of commuting with a speed pedelec were identified as new motivators. The purchase cost and the perception of safety as barriers remain, with reliability, flexibility, and planning identified as new barriers. Keywords: speed pedelecs; motivators; barriers; focus groups; e-bike; commuting; pedelec 1. Introduction The electrification of road transportation as a strategy to reduce transport-related oil dependency, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and urban air pollution is being supported by scientists, policy makers, and industry experts [1]. Battery electric vehicles have the potential to halve the impact on climate change [2] according to Well-To-Wheels (WTW) studies based on the current EU-mix for electricity [3]. This transition to electric mobility is a step forward but also only part of the solution. The switch to electric driving would even be more beneficial with a transition to light electric vehicles (LEVs) that are easily five times more energy efficient [4] than electric vehicles (EVs). Next to this high reduction of the environmental impact, LEVs could also contribute to solving congestion problems. For the specific case of Belgium, air quality and road congestion are considerable problems. The Flemish Environmental Agency [5] states that, for 2017, there was a downtrend regarding emissions reaching the European limit values but still exceeding the values set by the World Health Organization. According to the European Commission, maintaining or improving the level of air quality reached by discouraging car use is one of Belgium’s main challenges [6]. This is a daunting objective, as the number of cars [7] and the total hours of congestion are on the rise year after year [8]. Policy-wise, the focus is to switch from combustion-engine cars to (plug-in) electric vehicles with the roll-out of basic infrastructure of 5000 charging stations, purchase premiums (up to maximum ¿5000) for (plug-in) electric vehicles, and tax cuts [9]. World Electric Vehicle Journal 2019, 10, 87; doi:10.3390/wevj10040087 www.mdpi.com/journal/wevj World Electric Vehicle Journal 2019, 10, 87 2 of 30 World Electric Vehicle Journal 2019, 10, 87 2 of 29 There is less emphasis on LEVs, particularly in the category of—among others—the speed pedelec, which are fast electric bicycles with motor pedal assistance limited to 45 km/h and maximum There is less emphasis on LEVs, particularly in the category of—among others—the speed pedelec, motor power of 4 kW and are, in the European Union, classified as L1e-B vehicles, subject to type which are fast electric bicycles with motor pedal assistance limited to 45 km/h and maximum motor testing [10]. Looking at the registration numbers (16,000 for 2015–2018 [11] and 18,000 in the last 21 power of 4 kW and are, in the European Union, classified as L1e-B vehicles, subject to type testing [10]. monthsLooking [12] at before the registration the finalization numbers of (16,000this study for 2015–2018in September [11] 2019), and 18,000 the speed in the pedelec last 21 months is one [of12 the] LEVsbefore identified the finalization by the ofFlemish this study commu in Septemberter as holding 2019),the the speed most pedelec promise is onefor ofcommuting the LEVs identified purposes. 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Figure1 shows the most frequently frequently deployed speed pedelecs. The project aimed to provide at least 100 users the opportunity deployed speed pedelecs. The project aimed to provide at least 100 users the opportunity to try out to try out the speed pedelecs for up to three weeks at a time as a replacement commuter vehicle, the speed pedelecs for up to three weeks at a time as a replacement commuter vehicle, covering covering each province in Flanders. Flanders is a region in the northern part of Belgium with a each province in Flanders. Flanders is a region in the northern part of Belgium with a population population of approximately 6.6 million inhabitants [13] (in Dutch). Flanders has both a cycling of approximately 6.6 million inhabitants [13] (in Dutch). Flanders has both a cycling culture and culturea well-developed and a well-developed public transport public network, transport which network, is already which in useis already for commuting. in use for Getting commuting. more Getting more commuters out of their cars and on public transport also has beneficial effects on CO2 commuters out of their cars and on public transport also has beneficial effects on CO2 emissions and emissionsair quality, and and air the quality, same goes and (to the some same extent) goes for (to electric some scooters extent) andfor electricelectric motorbikes; scooters and however, electric motorbikes;the focus inhowever, the study the was focus on getting in thecar study users was on aon speed getting pedelec. car users For anon overview a speed ofpedelec. the Flemish For an overviewmobility of behavior, the Flemish the reader mobility is referred behavior, to [the14] (inreader Dutch). is referred to [14] (in Dutch). FigureFigure 1. 1. SpeedSpeed pe pedelecdelec fleet.fleet. This paper focuses on the insights gained from qualitative research by means of focus groups This paper focuses on the insights gained from qualitative research by means of focus groups before and after the testing period. The results in this paper provide an answer to the following before and after the testing period.