Dr. Laura Bishop
Electronic bikes (e-bikes) are rapidly gaining popularity as an alternative mode of transportation, according to a recent study conducted by the University of British Columbia’s Research on Active Transportation Lab (REACT).
The research, which received support from the District of Saanich’s e-bike rebate incentive program, revealed that after a year of using their e-bikes, the majority of users continued to rely on them as a substitute for car travel. This finding highlights the potential of e-bikes to revolutionize the way we commute and reduce our carbon footprint.
The District of Saanich’s e-bike rebate program, which ran from 2021-2022, offered three different rebates based on income levels. The incentives played a significant role in encouraging new riders to embrace e-bikes, with a surge of 93 percent in e-bike usage during the program period. Additionally, 60 percent of e-bike users were entirely new to cycling.
Dr. Alex Bigazzi, lead investigator at UBC’s REACT Lab, emphasized the positive impact of the larger incentives offered to low-income families. These incentives not only attracted new riders but also provided them with a more affordable alternative to using cars.
Participants who received the largest rebate indicated that they would have not purchased an e-bike without the subsidy. Moreover, a considerable reduction in weekly car travel by 48 kilometers, equivalent to a 30-40 percent decrease, was reported one year after owning an e-bike.
Dr. Bigazzi highlighted the remarkable changes in travel behavior resulting from the incentives, which persisted beyond the initial purchase. As a result of reduced driving, participants contributed to a significant decrease in travel-related greenhouse gas emissions, averting an average of 16 kilometers of carbon dioxide emissions one year later.
Contrary to the common belief that e-bike incentives are expensive, the Saanich rebate program’s costs were competitive with other transportation subsidies in Canada. It cost approximately $190 to $720 per tonne of greenhouse gas emissions, making e-bike incentives a cost-effective solution to reduce emissions when compared to electric car incentives.
Dr. Bigazzi also noted the additional benefits associated with e-bike incentives such as increased physical activity, reduced local air pollutants, and decreased travel costs.
The study’s findings demonstrate the potential of e-bikes to transform transportation and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. With increasing awareness of the benefits they offer, it is likely that e-bikes will continue to gain popularity as an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional modes of travel.
Electronic bikes (e-bikes) are gaining significant popularity in the transportation industry. According to a study conducted by the University of British Columbia’s Research on Active Transportation Lab (REACT), e-bikes have emerged as a promising alternative to cars. The research, supported by the District of Saanich’s e-bike rebate incentive program, revealed that a majority of users continued to rely on e-bikes even after a year of using them, highlighting their potential to revolutionize commuting and reduce carbon footprint.
The District of Saanich’s e-bike rebate program, which ran from 2021-2022, offered three different rebates based on income levels. These incentives played a crucial role in encouraging new riders to embrace e-bikes, resulting in a substantial 93 percent increase in e-bike usage during the program period. Surprisingly, 60 percent of e-bike users were entirely new to cycling, indicating the program’s success in attracting non-traditional cyclists.
Dr. Alex Bigazzi, the lead investigator at UBC’s REACT Lab, emphasized the positive impact of the larger incentives provided to low-income families. These incentives not only attracted new riders but also made e-bikes a more affordable alternative to car usage. Participants who received the largest rebate stated that they would not have purchased an e-bike without the subsidy. One year after owning an e-bike, they reported a substantial reduction in weekly car travel by 48 kilometers, equivalent to a 30-40 percent decrease.
The incentives provided by the Saanich rebate program resulted in remarkable changes in travel behavior, which continued beyond the initial purchase. Participants contributed to a significant decrease in travel-related greenhouse gas emissions, averting an average of 16 kilometers of carbon dioxide emissions one year later. This highlights the environmental benefits of e-bikes and their potential in reducing overall carbon emissions from transportation.
Contrary to common belief, e-bike incentives are not as expensive as perceived. The costs of the Saanich rebate program were competitive with other transportation subsidies in Canada, ranging from approximately $190 to $720 per tonne of greenhouse gas emissions. When compared to incentives for electric cars, e-bike incentives prove to be a cost-effective solution for reducing emissions.
Additionally, Dr. Bigazzi noted several other benefits associated with e-bike incentives. Participants experienced increased physical activity, reduced local air pollutants, and decreased travel costs. These additional advantages further amplify the appeal of e-bikes as a sustainable mode of transportation.
Overall, the study’s findings highlight the potential of e-bikes to transform transportation and contribute to a greener future. As awareness of their benefits continues to grow, it is expected that e-bikes will gain even more popularity as an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional modes of travel.
