Conference Agenda

Background: Electric cyclists are becoming increasingly visible in Dutch streets. This study examines the prevalence of electric bicycle users and analyzes their demographic characteristics, as well as motivations, destinations and travel distances. For the first time, these figures, coming from the national health survey infrastructure, will be presented at an international conference.

Methods: Cross-sectional data were obtained from a national questionnaire (Additional module Physical activity and accidents/Lifestyle Monitor, RIVM, VeiligheidNL, Statistics Netherlands), including a representative sample of Dutch cyclists aged 12+ (2021: n= 6,481; 2023: n=8,107). Descriptive statistics were used to examine demographic characteristics of electric bicycle users (e.g. age, disabilities), as well as to identify reasons for electric bicycle use (e.g. cycling faster), trip purposes (e.g. commuting), and distances traveled. Significant differences between groups and years were determined at p<0.05.

Results: Electric bicycle use increased from 29% in 2021 to 37% In 2023. In 2023, electric bicycle users were more often women, people aged 50+ and individuals with a lower level of education. The main reasons for choosing an electric over a conventional bicycle were ease of cycling (59%) and the desire to cycle longer distances (49%); the most common purpose was traveling to shops, friends, etc. (72%). The newest 2025 data will be available in summer 2026.

Conclusions: These findings give policymakers insight in who uses an electric bicycle and why, as a first step to better tailor cycling and physical activity policies to different population groups.

Support/Funding Source: Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports, the Netherlands.