e-bike carbon savings – how much and where?

A recent study carried out by CREDS researchers at the University of Leeds has found that:

• Electrically-assisted bicycles (e-bikes), if used to replace car travel, have the capability to cut car carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in England by up to 50% (about 30 million tonnes per year).

• The greatest opportunities are in rural and sub-urban settings: city dwellers already have many low-carbon travel options, so the greatest impact would be on encouraging use outside urban areas.

• There is scope for e-bikes to help people who are most affected by rising transport costs.