Comparative life cycle assessment of electric bikes for commuting in the UK

Electric bikes (e-bikes) represent an increasing share of urban mobility due to their small sizes and clean fuels. This study developed an environmental life cycle assessment model to evaluate e-bikes powered by lithium-ion battery, compared with a petrol car and a battery electric vehicle (BEV) for commuting. System boundary included vehicle lifecycle and fuel lifecycle. The model also included emissions from tyre and brake wear, and noise impacts in a case study in the UK. Results showed that BEVs and e-bikes reduce CO2, and this reduction can increase with change in electricity mix and battery recycling. Advantages of e-bikes are not proportional to the weight of the vehicle. Non-exhaust emissions are significant to respiratory effects and human toxicity, so are noise reductions due to the use of electric vehicles. The model and data should help to conduct similar studies elsewhere in the world and to develop policies for electric vehicles.