Exploring how the built environment and weather conditions relate to e-bike use considering the intermediate role of e-bike ownership

E-bike use is growing rapidly, yet limited research has investigated how the built environment at home and destination locations, and weather conditions influence e-bike ownership and use for different trip purposes. In addition, the intermediate role of e-bike ownership in e-bike use remains insufficiently explored. This study addresses these gaps by simultaneously examining built environment characteristics at both original and destination locations, weather conditions, and the intermediate role of e-bike ownership. It applies a Structural Equation Model (SEM) to nine years of Dutch national mobility data (2013–2021) to identify the direct and indirect effects on e-bike use for commuting and leisure trips. The results show that people living in very highly urban areas and going to a destination with high population density are less likely to use e-bikes for commuting and leisure. Furthermore, people are more likely to use their e-bikes on warmer and less windy days for both commuting and leisure trips. These findings provide a more comprehensive understanding of the determinants of e-bike use for urban and transport planners, designers, researchers, public authorities and policy makers and support evidence-based policy and design recommendations for stimulating e-bike use.