New research from the UK suggests that e-bikes have the capability to reduce car CO2 emissions by 24.4 million tonnes per year.
The study, undertaken by researchers at the University of Leeds, comes at a time where hybrid and electric vehicle sales are on the rise, and policy around electric vehicles is entering the political arena.
The researchers found that, for each individual who uses an e-bike to replace car travel, the mean reduction in emissions is 0.58 tonnes CO2 per year, with the effect being greatest in rural areas.
In a companion article, the researchers state that ‘hybrid and battery electric vehicles reduce the lifetime emissions of car travel, but not nearly so much as if replacing car use with e-bikes’.
E-bikes are equally as important as electric vehicles for taking action of climate change. In Australia, electric vehicles are getting the thumbs up in many ways. State governments have announced a range of incentives for steering consumers towards electric vehicle purchases.
It’s a great step forward. A co-existing subsidies for e-bikes can also do a world of good. As well as reducing our carbon footprint, e-bikes offer a means to tackle road congestion, improve the physical and mental health of Australians.
Furthermore, the automotive enhancement of e-bikes means that users are not restricted to short distance trips, riders can roam into the country-side if they really want to!
In our recent Federal Pre-Budget Submission, Bicycle Network has recommended Australia invest in a bike incentive scheme, offering a 30 per cent rebate on the sale of bikes, e-bikes and cargo bikes.
Read the new research here.