User characteristics of an electric bike sharing system at UMONS as part of a smart district concept

The widespread deployment of electric vehicles (EVs), combined with the shift towards alternative modes of transportation, has the potential to alleviate the problems associated with the high use of private vehicles for commuting trips, mainly in urban areas. In this context, the present paper discusses a survey conducted at the University of Mons (UMONS), Belgium, in order to examine the characteristics and attitude of the students in this university community with respect to renting an electric bike (e-bike), as well as to identify the key factors that influence the use of an e-bike sharing system as integrated part of smart cities. The results of the survey indicate the preferences and intentions of the population under study to use such a system and provide some useful insight for its implementation in the city of Mons.