If you live in any city, you have likely noticed an upswing in people riding electric bikes, whether for delivering goods, as a shared bike, or for everyday travel. E-bikes, or electrically powered two- and three-wheeled cycles, have gained popularity in recent years since they can cover longer distances than traditional pedal bikes and require less effort. E-bikes are slower and lighter than other two-wheelers like mopeds and motorcycles and can be used in most cycle lanes. E-bikes can replace vehicle trips in many cases, significantly reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion while contributing to more livable, accessible cities. The growing popularity of e-bikes also presents manufacturing and economic development opportunities in an emerging sector. E-bikes make up about 15% of the market for all-electric vehicles globally, and this is poised to grow. Despite their potential, many city and national governments have yet to define e-bikes clearly, require quality standards, or state where and how riders should safely use them. This lack of clarity has confused riders and retailers alike, particularly amidst questions about the safety of low-quality lithium-ion batteries and chargers. This year, ITDP released a report as part of its global Cycling Cities campaign focused specifically on e-bikes. The publication offers key recommendations for national-level action that will allow governments to fully harness the economic, climate, and mobility benefits of e-bikes.
The post As E-Bikes Surge, We Need to Address Both the Opportunities and Challenges first appeared on Institute for Transportation and Development Policy.
