Dr. Marcus Webb
A recent study conducted by the University of British Columbia’s Research on Active Transportation Lab (REACT) highlights the growing popularity of electronic bikes (e-bikes) as an alternative mode of transportation. The study, which was conducted in collaboration with the District of Saanich’s e-bike rebate incentive program, revealed that after a year of using e-bikes, a majority of participants continued to choose them over cars.
The program, implemented from 2021-22, offered three different rebates based on income levels. It provided a basic rebate of $350 and a higher rebate of $1,600 for low-income households. Remarkably, the study showed a 93 percent increase in the usage of e-bikes during the program, with 60 percent of participants being new to cycling altogether.
Dr. Alex Bigazzi, the lead investigator at UBC’s REACT Lab, commended the effectiveness of the program in attracting new riders, particularly lower-income families. The larger incentives not only provided an affordable alternative to car usage but also encouraged people to switch to e-bikes, resulting in long-lasting changes in their travel behavior.
Participants in the study reported a significant reduction in their weekly car travel by an average of 48 kilometers, equating to a 30-40 percent decrease. This reduction in driving led to a remarkable decrease of 16 kilometers in travel-related greenhouse gas emissions one year after purchasing the e-bikes.
Contrary to common criticism regarding the high costs associated with e-bike incentives, the Saanich rebate program proved to be cost-effective when compared to other transportation subsidies in Canada. The program’s cost ranged from $190 to $720 per tonne of greenhouse gas emissions, showcasing the positive environmental impact of e-bikes.
Dr. Bigazzi emphasized that e-bike incentives not only reduce emissions but also offer several additional benefits, including increased physical activity, reduced air pollutants, and decreased travel costs. These advantages make e-bikes a promising solution for sustainable transportation.
In conclusion, the rise in e-bike usage demonstrated by the study signifies a shift in transportation habits. With the right incentives and support, more individuals are opting for e-bikes as a greener and more cost-effective alternative to cars, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
The growing popularity of electronic bikes (e-bikes) as an alternative mode of transportation is a significant trend in the transportation industry. According to a recent study conducted by the University of British Columbia’s Research on Active Transportation Lab (REACT), e-bikes are being increasingly chosen over cars by a majority of users.
The study was conducted in collaboration with the District of Saanich’s e-bike rebate incentive program, which offered rebates based on income levels. This program, implemented from 2021-22, saw a remarkable 93 percent increase in the usage of e-bikes during its duration. Notably, 60 percent of the program participants were new to cycling altogether.
Dr. Alex Bigazzi, the lead investigator at UBC’s REACT Lab, commended the program for attracting new riders, especially lower-income families. The larger incentives provided an affordable alternative to car usage and encouraged people to switch to e-bikes, resulting in long-term changes in travel behavior.
Participants in the study reported a significant reduction in their weekly car travel, with an average decrease of 48 kilometers, which equates to a 30-40 percent reduction. This reduction in driving led to a remarkable 16-kilometer decrease in travel-related greenhouse gas emissions one year after purchasing the e-bikes.
Despite common criticism regarding the high costs associated with e-bike incentives, the Saanich rebate program was proven to be cost-effective in comparison to other transportation subsidies in Canada. The program cost ranged from $190 to $720 per tonne of greenhouse gas emissions, showcasing the positive environmental impact of e-bikes.
Dr. Bigazzi emphasized that e-bike incentives not only reduce emissions but also offer several additional benefits. These benefits include increased physical activity, reduced air pollutants, and decreased travel costs. As a result, e-bikes have the potential to become a promising solution for sustainable transportation.
Overall, the rise in e-bike usage highlighted by the study indicates a shift in transportation habits. With the appropriate incentives and support, more individuals are choosing e-bikes as a greener and more cost-effective alternative to cars. This choice contributes to a cleaner and healthier environment.
For more information on e-bikes and their impact on sustainable transportation, you can visit the University of British Columbia’s Research on Active Transportation Lab’s website at react.ubc.ca.
