Electric bicycle as an ecological transport for the Russian countryside: realities and prospects

Abstract

The article raises the question of the prospects of electric bicycles as one of the types of ecological transport. The aim of the study is to determine the attitude of Russian rural residents to electric bicycles as an environmentally friendly mode of transport and outline its prospects in rural areas. Using some scientific methods ( sociological survey of agricultural university students who have a rural area as their preferred place of residence; experiment to determine the possibilities of using an electric bicycle in rural areas; content analysis of marketplaces that sell electric bicycles), the authors come to the conclusion that in order for the electric bicycle to take its rightful place in the rural transport system and thereby contribute to improving the environmental situation, it is necessary to solve the social problems of Russian agriculture – and above all, to improve the standard of living of peasants. In addition, manufacturers should offer models specially designed for rural areas to the market, since many brands sold in Russia are insufficiently adapted for use in rural areas. The authors also believe that there is a need for social advertising of electric transport as well as educational activities that refute myths and stereotypes concerning electric bicycles.