- Linköping is a bigger bike town than Norrköping. And spontaneously, I think more students, who are more vigilant in this kind of information, contribute to the difference, says Martin Frodlund, who is chairman of the Cykelfrämjämningen in Östergötland.

Climate-friendly transport

The electric vehicle premium was a commitment by the government where the aim was to improve the conditions for climate-friendly transport. Private individuals could receive 25 percent, or a maximum of SEK 10,000, in compensation for the purchase of electric bikes, mopeds, motorcycles and outboard motors.

The report has focused exclusively on electric bicycles because 93 percent of those who took part in the premium received it for the purchase of electric bicycles.

"Must not own a car"

But there are significant differences between both municipalities and counties: In terms of payments per 1,000 inhabitants, Motala comes to the top in Östergötland with 14.6. Gotland, with the figures 17.2 per 1,000 inhabitants, ranks second in the country when counties are compared.

- We work on trying to make people realize that the bike can be a main vehicle, you don't have to own a car, says Martin Frodlund.

- In addition, I have the opinion that many do not know that you can buy a bike on installment.

Higher education and income

According to the report, those who took part in the premium usually have higher education, income and better self-reported health than the population on average. However, the difference between the sexes is disappearing.

3,500 people have responded to a web survey in connection with the report and they state that about half of the electric bicycle replaces car journeys.

Perhaps a little surprising is that there is an overrepresentation of the elderly among those who have purchased an electric bike and received an electric vehicle premium. The average age is 55 years.