Dr. Naomi Lin
A recent study conducted by the University of British Columbia’s Research on Active Transportation Lab (REACT) has revealed that the popularity of electronic bikes (e-bikes) is on the rise. The study, which received support from the District of Saanich’s e-bike rebate incentive program, demonstrated that after a year of using their e-bikes, most participants continued to rely on them as a substitute for car travel.
The program, implemented from 2021 to 2022, offered three different rebates based on income level. Riders had the opportunity to claim either $350 or $1,600, depending on their eligibility. The results of the study showed a remarkable surge of 93 percent in the use of e-bikes, with 60 percent of users being entirely new to cycling.
Dr. Alex Bigazzi, the lead investigator at UBC’s REACT Lab, noted the effectiveness of the larger incentives, particularly for lower-income families, in encouraging new riders to take up e-biking. These individuals found e-bikes to be an affordable alternative to car usage.
The study also highlighted that a significant majority of participants who received the largest rebate would not have purchased an e-bike without the subsidy. Moreover, one year after acquiring their e-bikes, research participants reported a substantial reduction of 30-40 percent in their weekly car travel, amounting to approximately 48 kilometers. This led to a corresponding decrease of 16 kilometers of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
Contrary to popular beliefs surrounding the cost-effectiveness of e-bike incentives, the Saanich rebate program proved to be competitive with other transportation subsidies in Canada, with a cost range of $190 to $720 per tonne of greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, Dr. Bigazzi emphasized that e-bike incentives offer more value in terms of emissions reduction compared to incentives for electric cars. Furthermore, e-biking provides numerous benefits such as improved physical activity, reduced air pollution, and decreased travel expenses.
The findings from this study indicate that e-bikes are gaining momentum as a sustainable transportation option. By promoting the use of e-bikes, communities can reduce reliance on cars, mitigate environmental impact, and enhance overall well-being.
The rise in popularity of electronic bikes (e-bikes) is a significant trend in the transportation industry. A recent study conducted by the University of British Columbia’s Research on Active Transportation Lab (REACT) revealed that e-bikes are increasingly being used as a substitute for car travel.
The District of Saanich’s e-bike rebate incentive program, which ran from 2021 to 2022, played a crucial role in promoting the use of e-bikes. The program offered rebates ranging from $350 to $1,600, depending on the individual’s income level. The study showed a remarkable surge of 93 percent in e-bike usage, with 60 percent of users being new to cycling.
Dr. Alex Bigazzi, the lead investigator at UBC’s REACT Lab, emphasized the effectiveness of the larger incentives, especially for lower-income families. The affordable nature of e-bikes made them an attractive alternative to car usage for these individuals.
The research also highlighted that the rebate program played a vital role in encouraging individuals to purchase e-bikes. A significant majority of participants who received the largest rebate stated that they would not have bought an e-bike without the subsidy.
One year after acquiring their e-bikes, participants reported a significant reduction in their weekly car travel of 30-40 percent, which amounted to approximately 48 kilometers. This reduction in car travel led to a corresponding decrease of 16 kilometers of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
The Saanich rebate program showcased the cost-effectiveness of e-bike incentives. The program’s cost range of $190 to $720 per tonne of greenhouse gas emissions proved to be competitive with other transportation subsidies in Canada. Dr. Bigazzi further highlighted that e-bike incentives provide more value in terms of emissions reduction compared to incentives for electric cars.
In addition to reducing environmental impact, e-biking offers numerous benefits. It promotes physical activity, reduces air pollution, and decreases travel expenses. These findings indicate that e-bikes are gaining momentum as a sustainable transportation option, and communities can benefit from promoting their use.
For more information on this topic, you can visit UBC’s official website or District of Saanich’s website.
