Environmental benefits of electric bikes
Electric bikes are more popular than ever – and for good reason! Packed with powerful motors, they’re do-it-all machines that can help you exercise, commute or simply get around, all with that added boost. The benefits don’t end there, though, and electric bikes are also incredibly eco-friendly.
Electric bikes are zero-emission vehicles, which means every time you pedal, you’re kinder to the planet. And with more cities introducing clean air zones, there’s never been a better time to go green and invest in an electric bike.
In this guide, we’ll cover the environmental benefits of electric bikes.
Electric bikes create less pollution
With our streets becoming increasingly congested, we all waste a significant amount of time stuck in traffic, creating high levels of pollution. As a result, electric bikes are much more eco-friendly than other vehicles, making them a serious option for commuters.
Electric bikes are zero-emission vehicles – that means they emit no tailpipe emissions and also create minimal noise. Motor vehicles, on the other hand, account for a fifth of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. And with the government’s aim to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, eco-friendly modes of transport like electric bikes are the future!
On an electric bike, you can easily navigate around any traffic, which not only reduces stress when commuting but can often make your commute faster. Cyclists can benefit from the battery-powered assistance of electric bikes and travel safely in the knowledge that they’re reducing their CO2 emissions. With no fuel costs or congestion charges, riding an electric bike can also be better for your wallet.
E-bike production releases less Co2
But what about the pollution caused during the production of a bicycle? The European Cyclist’s Federation (ECF) conducted a study into this, calculating the full carbon footprint of various modes of transport. Their study accounted for various things, including the production of a bike and detailed aspects such as the C02 released in the production of food, as cyclists consume more due to exercising.
They found that, even with these factors, cycling only releases roughly 21 grams of C02e per passenger kilometre travelled, compared with 271 grams of C02e per passenger kilometre in a car.
So, whichever way you look at it, a bike is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint!
E-bike batteries require minimal power
Even travelling to work once a week on an electric bike reduces your carbon footprint considerably more than other forms of transport3.
Your electric bike is designed to be used for years and can be serviced, maintained and repaired quickly. Even the battery can be replaced. Once it’s come to the end of its life, electric bikes and their components can be recycled through recycling services which ensure that the materials are disposed of safely4.
Want to find out how much of a difference cycling could make to your commute? Head over to our Cyculator tool to find out how much a commute by bike could save you annually.
Best electric bikes
Ready to make the eco-friendly transition to an electric bike? Great, all that’s left to do is find the perfect bike!
Luckily, choosing an electric bike has never been easier. There are so many different types, sizes, battery ranges and motors on offer, there’s sure to be the perfect option for your needs. To help you find your ideal bike, we’ve pulled together a handy Electric Bike Buyer’s Guide.
Plus, here at Halfords, we stock a wide range of electric bikes all from top brands including Carrera, Boardman and Voodoo. So, whether you want an electric mountain bike, electric hybrid bike or an electric folding bike, you’ll find the perfect option over at Halfords.com.
To give you a taste of what’s on offer, here’s just a few of our favourites:
Top-rated electric bike: Carrera Subway Men’s Electric Hybrid Bike
Carrera is one of the UK’s most loved bike brands, and for good reason! Carrera bikes are packed with great technology, all at an amazing price point, and their electric bikes are no different.
Our top-rated e-bike, the Carrera Subway is a favourite among buyers who love its long-range. On a single charge, the Subway will propel you up to 40 miles, with its sturdy 317Wh battery reaching a top speed of 15.5mph. It’s a hybrid bike, which means it’s ideal for commuting, with rugged Tektro disc brakes and high-performance Shimano Altus gears rounding off this superb package.
Best-selling electric bike: Carrera Vengeance E Men’s Electric Mountain Bike
Our best-selling e-bike is the Carrera Vengeance, a monster of a mountain bike.
Loved by the bike-press and riders alike, the Vengeance provides up to 40 miles of power and can be recharged in around four hours. A Suntour XCT coil fork and 27.5” Kenda tyres will soak up the bumps, Tektro disc brakes will provide the stopping power, and the 8-speed Shimano gears have you prepared for anything your journey brings.
Performance power: Boardman ADV 8.9E Men’s Adventure Electric Bike
Our top-of-the-range Boardman ADV 8.9E E-bike delivers incredible performance from a race-ready package.
A rapid-charging battery will be fully topped-up in just three hours and will deliver up to 60 miles of power. Weighing in at just 16kg, the lightweight Fazua Evation drive system delivers heavyweight performance, powering you up hills and along straights with smooth assistance. It’s pannier- and mudguard-ready, making it the ideal city commuter for those who want to make a statement.
Electric Bike Servicing
If you want to help the environment, you’ll need to keep your e-bike in tip-top condition so you can ride it as much as possible – and that includes regular servicing.
There is lots you can do at home with some time and standard tools, but sometimes, you’ll need an expert opinion – so come to Halfords.
It doesn’t matter whether you’ve bought your bike from Halfords or not, we offer a range of electric bike servicing packages. We offer three different service packages that will tackle the technical and master the mechanical aspects of your bike.
The best place to start is by booking a free bike health check. A fully qualified mechanic will perform a 32-point inspection on your bike and advise you of any issues that need to be taken care of. If any problems are found, you can then rely on our range of bike services to get you back on two wheels in no time.
Is an electric bike right for you?
For most people, an electric bike is a genuine alternative to a car. They’re eco-friendly, convenient to use and the added boost will help you overcome any fitness concerns you might have – meaning there’s no need to worry about any pesky hills or the distance.
Still need a little convincing? Head over to our electric bike advice articles to learn more and to find the perfect electric bike for your needs.
There you have it, everything you need to know about the environmental benefits of electric bikes. To discover more about the benefits of electric bikes, head over to our Electrification Hub. Or, why not explore our full range of electric bikes over at Halfords.com.