Dr. Marcus Webb
A recent study conducted by the University of British Columbia’s Research on Active Transportation Lab (REACT) has revealed that electronic bikes (e-bikes) are on the rise as a substitute for car travel. The study, which was conducted with the support of the District of Saanich’s e-bike rebate incentive program, showed that after a year of using their e-bikes, a majority of users continued to rely on them instead of cars.
The program, which ran from 2021 to 2022, offered three different rebates based on income. The basic rebate allowed riders to claim $350, while low-income households could claim $1,600. The study found that during this period, the use of e-bikes increased by an impressive 93 percent, with 60 percent of the users being new cyclists.
Dr. Alex Bigazzi, the lead investigator at UBC’s REACT Lab, stated that the larger incentives aimed at lower-income families successfully attracted new riders to e-bikes by providing them with a more affordable alternative to using cars. In fact, research indicated that eight out of 10 participants who received the largest rebate would only have purchased an e-bike with the subsidy.
Participants in the study reported a significant reduction in car travel after one year of owning an e-bike. On average, they reduced their weekly car travel by 48 kilometers, resulting in a 30-40 percent decrease. Additionally, this reduction in driving led to a decrease in travel-related greenhouse gas emissions, with an average reduction of 16 kilometers of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
Contrary to common criticism about the high costs associated with e-bike incentives, the Saanich rebate program was found to be cost-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 for reducing emissions compared to electric car incentives.
Dr. Bigazzi also highlighted the multitude of benefits that come with e-bike incentives, such as increased physical activity, reduced local air pollutants, and decreased travel costs. This study emphasizes the growing potential of e-bikes as an effective means of transportation that not only benefits individuals but also contributes to a more sustainable future.
The rise of e-bikes as a substitute for car travel is a notable trend in the transportation industry. According to a recent study conducted by the University of British Columbia’s Research on Active Transportation Lab (REACT), the use of e-bikes increased by 93 percent during a one-year period. This increase in e-bike usage was supported by the District of Saanich’s e-bike rebate incentive program, which provided financial incentives for individuals to purchase e-bikes.
The Saanich rebate program ran from 2021 to 2022 and offered three different rebates based on income. The study found that the larger incentives aimed at lower-income families successfully attracted new riders to e-bikes. In fact, eight out of 10 participants who received the largest rebate stated that they would only have purchased an e-bike with the subsidy.
One of the main benefits of e-bikes as a mode of transportation is their potential to reduce car travel. Participants in the study reported a significant reduction in car travel after owning an e-bike for one year. On average, they reduced their weekly car travel by 48 kilometers, resulting in a 30-40 percent decrease. This reduction in driving also led to a decrease in travel-related greenhouse gas emissions, with an average reduction of 16 kilometers of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
Despite common criticism about the high costs associated with e-bike incentives, the Saanich rebate program was found to be cost-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 for reducing emissions compared to electric car incentives.
The study conducted by UBC’s REACT Lab highlighted the multitude of benefits that come with e-bike incentives. In addition to reducing car travel and greenhouse gas emissions, e-bikes also provide increased physical activity for riders. Furthermore, e-bikes contribute to the reduction of local air pollutants and decreased travel costs.
Overall, this study emphasizes the growing potential of e-bikes as an effective means of transportation not only for individuals but also for creating a more sustainable future. As the industry continues to develop, e-bike manufacturers and retailers can expect increased demand and interest in e-bike products and accessories.
For more information on the e-bike industry and market forecasts, you may visit the following link: Electrive.
