I already mentioned the sustainability of the transportation industry in my very first blog about electric vehicles. This time, however, the topic is a little bit different. Electric bicycles may be the key to combating climate change while also reducing traffic congestion in urban areas. E-bikes have recently gained popularity as a convenient and sustainable mode of transportation. I believe that E-bikes have the potential to revolutionize urban transportation, minimizing the need for cars while also embracing environmental consciousness and personal health.
As always, we are going to dive straight into the numbers. As of 2019, the e-bike market is projected to have a Compound Annual Growth Rate of around 7.5% between 2020 and 2025. E-bikes are growing especially popular in Europe. For example, in 2018 over half of the bikes sold in the Netherlands were electric. Similarly, Spain reported a 55% increase in usage of e-bikes in 2018. However, the leader of the e-bike market is in Asia. Of course, China is the leading consumer. In fact, in 2013, China had 37 million manufactured e-bikes, a shocking 32 million of which were sold in the same year.
The first and most obvious benefit of e-bikes is that they are very environmentally friendly. Because e-bikes use lithium-ion batteries, they are zero emission vehicles. Standard, gas-powered cars are the complete opposite as they emit pollutants into the atmosphere, amplifying the effects of global warming. Using e-bikes instead of cars will save around 500 pounds of carbon emissions per year. Not only does this help prevent global warming, but it also prevents pollutants from being emitted into the air which cause smog, a major problem in urban cities.
Secondly, e-bikes are a more convenient alternative to regular biking. Regular biking to work or any other commutes is very rare as most people have to travel more than a mile or two to get places. Even if they want to be more environmentally conscious, riding a normal bike for more than a few miles simply isn’t worth it. Thankfully, e-biking is the solution due to their increased range and speed. E-bikes can be used to efficiently replace cars as they can be ridden comfortably for long journeys. For example, there are e-bikes currently that can travel up to 20 miles per hour with a range of around 50 miles.
Additionally, e-bikes are great in urban areas for improving traffic congestion. Traffic congestion can be a huge pain for people who constantly travel in large cities. For example, my drive to school early in the morning is no more than 20 minutes, but the drive back home as people are getting home from work can take up to an hour. E-bikes allow for riders to navigate busy streets more efficiently as their compact size allows them to maneuver through traffic. Especially because many cities are being troubled with increased congestion with limited infrastructure, e-bikes are the solution to reach destinations more quickly and with smoother traffic flow.
Lastly, e-bikes are more convenient for a greater variety of people while still promoting health. It is obvious that physical activity is essential for human well-being, yet much of our country struggles with obesity. Because regular bikes are an “outdated” method of transportation in urban areas, e-bikes are the ideal replacement. E-biking combines the benefits of traditional pedaling with electric assistance to increase efficiency. The electric motor provides people with a boost if necessary, especially for longer commutes or alternate terrains. This is perfect for those who prefer not to ride a standard bike because they are too old or unfit to do so. In fact, a study showed that 20% of London residents do not use regular bikes for this reason. E-bikes adjust to the physical capabilities of their riders with the electric assistance, allowing a greater range of people to take advantage of them. By promoting inclusiveness, e-bikes allow for a greater range of people to ride them including elderly people, those with disabilities, and those who may not have access to a car.
Electric bicycles are the future of transportation in urban areas. Granted, they will only work on a large scale if they are adopted by a significant percentage of people. However, there is no reason why many should not make the switch to e-bikes. They provide benefits for the individual such as more efficient traveling while also reducing potential tonnes of carbon emissions into the atmosphere. The adoption of e-biking can be promoted through increased infrastructure accounting for it, government incentives, and public awareness. Although I am a very big proponent of electric vehicles, after researching this topic, I realized e-bicycles might not be a bad alternative!
Works Cited
eBicycles. “Useful Facts & Stats of E-Bikes [for 2023] + Infographic.” EBicycles, http://www.ebicycles.com/ebike-facts-statistics/#:~:text=Between%202020%20and%202023%2C%20upwards. Accessed 6 June 2023.
“Environmental Benefits of Electric Bikes.” Small Town Bike Co, http://www.smalltownbikeco.com/blogs/news/environmental-benefits-of-electric-bikes#:~:text=E%2Dbikes%20are%20zero%2Demission.
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