By James Knight

A recent meta-analysis covering 10 studies titled “E-bikes and travel behavior change: systematic review of experimental studies with meta-analyses” shows transitioning from normal cars to active modes of transportation is key to reducing transport related greenhouse gasses, emissions, and promoting physical activity. The review looked at 10 studies on electric bicycles from northern Europe and focused on the substitution of e-bikes for cars and the effect of e-bike use on other types of transportation.

Electric bikes can lead to decreased car use. This Berkeley person is driving her kids around in an electric cargo bike. Photo by Dave Iltis

While e-bikes are limited to a speed of 25km/h, and thus have a slower maximum speed than conventional bikes, they also overcome some obstacles associated with normal bikes such allowing the rider to adapt to the weather and adjust for fatigue. Electric bicycles not only overcome these obstacles; they also provide major advantages. These bikes allow the less athletic rider to handle hilly and difficult terrains more easily. Despite some belief that riding an e-bike can be considered “cheating”, studies have shown that riding e-bikes is comparable to “modern physical activity.”

The meta-analysis concludes that e-bikes have also been found to be a significant replacement for other transport modes, especially cars. It also concluded that those who have access to an e-bike report a daily decrease in car travel by 2.4km, which adds up to an average of a 10% reduction in car travel. Having more access to an e-bike has also led to substantial increases in e-cycling. The study shows a 5km daily increase after acquiring an e-bike, a 26% increase in e-bike usage compared to other transport modes. The authors indicated that more studies are needed not just in Northern Europe.

Reference: Chevance, G., Bourne, J., Foley, L., Green, J., Sundfør, H. B., Fyhri, A., & Bernard, P. (2025). E-bikes and travel behaviour change: systematic review of experimental studies with meta-analyses. Transport Reviews, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/01441647.2025.2474556

 

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