In 2020, with the largest surge and increase of electric bike sales ever recorded in history, some people still consider electric bikes ‘cheating’. This is an antiquated and dated notion that needs to disappear in order to promote electric bikes as a form of genuine sustainable and effective transport.
Its important to view electric bikes and regular bikes as two different vehicles and that electric biker often cycles more regularly and go longer distances so get just as much exercise as regular biker. A brand new study has also indicated just how much more electric bikers ride, and the numbers are surprising. This study doesn't just boast impressive figures about riding but also shows that e-bikes are actually replacing cars more than bikes.
The researchers for this study, Hanne Beate Sunfør and Aslak Fyhri studied the before-and-after habits of people who purchased electric bikes in Osla, Norway. These bikes were the European style pedelec bikes, which the rider has to pedal for the motor to assist. These results were then compared to a group who were interested in buying an electric bike, but had not yet committed. They did this by asking these questions:
1/ If purchasing an electric bike is related a change in their total distance covered in kilometres than short term access
2/ If purchasing an electric bike is related to a change in cycle share than short term access
3/ If the study outcome is dependent upon the choice of the comparison group.
The Results
Those who purchased electric bikes head increased their bicycles use from 2.1 kilometres (1/3 miles) to 9.2 kilometres (5.7 miles) on average per day; an enormous 340% increase in distance. The e-bike also took up a large portion of their total transportation use, from 17% to 49%, where the users decided to e-bike rather than drive, walk or take public transport.
The researchers are labelling this the “e-bike effect” but are concerned that the reason maybe due to excess riding because of the novelty of a new item. However, the concern was negated as it was revealed people rode their electric bikes mode the longer they had them "it confirms previous findings indicating that people tend to go through a learning process where they discover new trip purposes for where to use the e-bike.”
But you can’t compare Norway to the USA or the UK?
Many in North America are likely to suggest that it is not reasonable to compare Norway to America. However the researchers note that Norway should not be confused with The Netherlands or Denmark and that Norway doesn't share the same bike culture as these countries and in Oslo, the cycling share usage is very low.
Norwegian cycling culture has been predominately based on recreational cycling in the recent decades. Therefore the context of Norway in terms of bikes can be similarly compared to the US where studies up until now have indicated a shift from cars to cycling following the increased availability and public knowledge of electric bikes.
So, what are the conclusions?
From this study, the authors have come to the conclusion that electric bikes are rapidly becoming an essential part of a modern urban transport system and will be an important component of reducing the environmental impact by shifting people away from polluting motorised transport. “We find that the increased cycling is not just a novelty effect, but appears to be more lasting”. “If we really want to see a permanent uptake in the use of e-bikes, we need policy measures that provide a safe place to ride and a secure place to park.”
URBAN ELECTRO sells a wide range of affordable electric bikes ranging from powerful E-MTBs to compact commuter bikes. Drop by on Saturday from 10am-4pm and see what we have for you.