E-bikes and their capability to reduce car CO2 emissions

Ian Philips, Jillian Anable and Tim Chatterton

Transport Policy, 2022, vol. 116, issue C, 11-23

Abstract: We estimate the maximum capability to reduce CO2 by substituting private car travel for e-bike. We use spatial microsimulation (population-synthesis) to simulate the adult population within every small area in England, taking account of area type and geodemographic circumstances of the population. By estimating for individuals the distance they are capable of travelling by e-bike and the extent to which they are capable of replacing private car travel, we find the upper limit on the capability to reduce CO2 by substituting car travel for e-bike use is 24.4 MTCO2 p.a. (per annum) in England. CO2 saving capability per person and per small area are highest (over 750 kg CO2 per person p.a.) for residents of rural areas and the rural urban fringe. e-bikes offer major conurbations more modest CO2 saving capability per person. We identify areas which are vulnerable to car related economic stress and also have high capability to replace car km with e-bikes, which if supported appropriately could contribute to equitable carbon reduction. Though capable of a very significant contribution to transport carbon reduction, other changes in technology and reduction in demand would also be necessary to reach zero emissions.

Keywords: Transport; Climate-change; e-bike; Carbon-reduction; Place-based decarbonisation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (14)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2021.11.019

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