Qualitatively exploring participants’ experiences during the ISCycle ebike loan intervention: a data-prompted interview study

Background: Electrically assisted bicycles (ebikes) are a mode of transport growing in popularity for commuting and leisure activities. Literature indicates potential health benefits of ebiking via increased physical activity and reduced environmental impacts, when compared to car use. The ISCycle intervention loaned participants an ebike for a period of time while measuring changes in transport mode use. The project aimed to promote inclusive modal shift towards sustainable mobility, with a focus on workplace settings. Objectives: This study uses participant’s own trial data to qualitatively explore their experiences during the ISCycle ebike loan intervention. Methods: A data-prompted interview study was conducted, visually presenting participants with a heatmap of their frequently visited ebiking routes, as well as days spent ebiking and daily distance travelled by ebike during the loan period. A semi-structured interview guide was used to prompt discussion about participants’ experiences during the ebike loan as well as their motivations for ebiking. Interviews took place virtually using Microsoft Teams. Data were analysed thematically. Results: A total of nine ISCycle participants also took part in a data-prompted interview. Three themes and one subtheme were generated from the analysis relating to evolving perceptions of ebiking, the influence of physical infrastructure on route choice, the perceived impacts of ebike use in daily life and the dynamic opportunity for physical activity while ebiking. Conclusion: This small qualitative study describes experiences and perceptions among ebike loan participants, highlighting barriers and enablers to ebiking, as well as its potential impacts across several domains. Ebike loans may offer a promising tool in the shift towards sustainable mobility, facilitating potential users to experience the benefits and challenges for themselves.