‘Converting Motorists’: E-bikes experiments and commuting in Greater Copenhagen

In this chapter we examine the use of e-bikes in relation to established everyday-life cycling practices in Greater Copenhagen. While cycling is a well-established practice in Copenhagen, cycling is primarily used on short distances of less than five kilometres. The article explores the potential of e-bikes as a way of increase cycling’s share of the modal split on longer commuting distances (5–20 km). We examine the practice of commuting by e-bike in relation to the established practice of everyday commuting on shorter distances as well as the more niche practice of long-distance commuting by bike. The use of e-bikes on longer distances contains elements of both short-, and long-distance commuting. The design and motor-assistance of the e-bike allows for more convenient and carefree cycling, while it retains the element of physical exercise, which offset the inconvenience of increased travel times compared to the car on longer distances. This makes the e-bike a viable alternative to car or public transport on longer commuting distances. In order to increased use of e-bikes in commuting, municipalities and businesses need to improve infrastructure and e-bike specific cycling-friendly facilities that support the ease-of-use practice of cycling on shorter distances.