E-BIKE4YOUTH: E-bike use by children and young people: impacts on behaviour, safety, the environment and the economy

Children and adolescents are among the most mobility-relevant, yet also the most heterogeneous population groups. At the same time, a long-term decline in active modes of transport has been observed: trips are increasingly made by motorised modes, particularly for leisure purposes, while independent mobility among young people continues to decrease. Against this background, the project investigates how electrically assisted bicycles (pedelecs) for children and adolescents influence their mobility and physical activity behaviour. The project's objective is to systematically quantify differences between the use of conventional bicycles and pedelecs among children and adolescents. The analysis focuses on mobility behaviour (including trip distances, frequency of use, accompanied and unaccompanied trips, urban–rural differences, and age- and gender-specific aspects), physical activity benefits (frequency, duration, and intensity of physical activity), attitudes towards cycling, and the potential for shifting from other transport modes to pedelecs. Methodologically, the study combines interviews with young e-bike users and a field trial conducted in two Austrian Climate and Energy Model Regions (Schwarzatal and Mondseeland). In addition, the project examines ecological, road safety, and socio-economic impacts, including changes in energy consumption, CO₂ emissions, crash risks, and potential rebound effects.