Electric Bikes – Are E-Bikes Sustainable and Eco-Friendly? 

Are e-bikes sustainable? If you're looking for an answer to this question, you've come to the right place! Motorized bicycles with integrated electric motors are becoming increasingly popular - and have already become a faithful everyday companion for many people. According to the German Federal Statistical Office just under 16 percent of German households own an e-bike or pedelec - and a total of a whole 8.4 million electric bikes are said to be on the road in this country.₁

So it's a real boom, which is ultimately beneficial to health and makes everyday life more flexible! But are the obviously electrifying wire bikes also environmentally friendly? After all, they are considered the new symbol for sustainable mobility and promise to be an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional means of transport.

In this article, I would now like to examine how sustainable e-bikes really are and how you can use them in the most environmentally friendly way possible. Let's go!

CO2 footprint of e-bikes: A comparison

In order to find out how environmentally friendly electric bicycles actually are, the first thing to do is to conduct a climate-related Comparison to road alternatives an.

According to a study by the Vrije University in Brussels, a E-bike on average 7.8 grams of CO2 per kilometer ridden. By way of comparison, a car has CO2 emissions of around 120-170 grams per kilometer, depending on whether it is electric, diesel or internal combustion.

E-bikes are therefore much more climate-friendly than cars. E-bikes also perform well in comparison with public transport. The Public transport emits between 75 and 111 grams of CO2 per kilometer. off.

Also Bosch, a leading manufacturer of e-bike systems, has together with TÜV Rheinland analyzed the CO₂ footprint of their products. The results also confirm the environmental friendliness of e-bikes compared to cars:

• Over its entire life cycle, an e-bike has a CO2 footprint of 299 kilograms on average. The battery has the largest share in this. 
• A car with an internal combustion engine has a footprint of around 34,150 kilograms of CO2.

So the e-bike clearly wins the eco-comparison with the car. Regularly switching to an electric bike helps immensely, Save CO2even if it is not completely emission-free itself.

The CO2 emissions during production are even one third higher than during the production of a conventional bicycle. This fact is mainly due to the Battery and the raw materials lithium and cobalt it contains attributable.

Other aspects of the carbon footprint of e-bikes: The charge

Of course, it also depends, from which source the electricity comes. For example, if you rely 100 percent on green electricity based on renewable energies you can charge your e-bike with almost zero emissions.

How climate and environmentally friendly an e-bike actually is also depends on this, which bike you choose, as well as when and how you use it. So let's become a look at how we can use your ecological footprint or further reduce the "ecological tire footprint of your bike".

7 tips: How to increase the lifetime & sustainability of e-bikes

The disadvantages of e-bikes compared to non-motorized bikes are certainly that they are quite expensive, heavy and require maintenance. Nevertheless, they are healthyas more people get on the saddle, (continue to) pedal and go about their daily lives. flexible design.

Last but not least, electric bicycles play a crucial role for the sustainable mobility turnaroundas they are among the most climate-friendly means of transport.

However, we must not forget factors that are crucial for sustainability, such as the Model selection and the Longevity. The longer your bike is functional and used by you, the better. Fortunately, you have several options to Extend the life of your e-bike in a targeted manner.

1. choose the right e-bike

It is important that you get the model that suits your own needs. Not everyone needs an e-bike with a powerful motor. Good advice before you buy will help you avoid a bad purchase and protect the environment. The quality and durability of the e-bike components are also crucial. 

2. save battery

The rechargeable battery is the heart of every e-bike and decisively crucial for its service life. To extend them, you should consider the following things, among others:

• Avoid deep discharges: Always charge the battery before it is fully discharged.
• Do not overcharge the battery: When the bike is charged, remove the charging cable. Charging (over)completely can eventually shorten the life of the battery.
• Store the battery in a cool, dry place: Especially extreme temperatures and temperature differences can damage the battery of the e-bike.

3. use consciously and maintain regularly

A well-maintained e-bike is more sustainable because it is lasts longer. Here are some tips:

• Drive looking ahead and avoid abrupt braking and acceleration.
• Use the battery not constantly in turbo mode.
• Have your e-bike regularly checked by Expert:inside check and maintain.
• Clean your e-bike more often to remove dirt and moisture.

4. buy e-bikes used or refurbished

If you decide to use the Buying a used e-bikeYou can avoid the CO2 emissions that result from its production. By getting it "second-hand" from private hands, you improve the carbon footprint of a bike, because you give it a second life.

Well, of course, often there are concerns when buying from private individuals, because of risks related to quality and reliability. Fortunately, there are now certified dealers who can sustainable, refurbished e-bikes at used prices offer

These bikes go through a comprehensive inspection process where all parts are checked and replaced if necessary. So ultimately you get a (almost) new e-bike, at a much lower price.

5. charge with renewable energies

Charging your e-bike with renewable energy, such as solar or wind energye, significantly reduces CO2 emissions. Don't worry, you don't even need a solar system on the roof. Instead, you can simply and conveniently Switch to a green electricity tariff*. and sustainable electricity.

6. use e-bike sensibly

Personally, I don't have an e-bike (yet) because I don't have to cover such long distances in everyday life and I'm still physically fit. So I do not need the e-bike at the moment and can use the natural resources save for its production.

But even if you definitely need it, it should be used wisely from a sustainability perspective. For example, it's healthier and more environmentally friendly to continue pedaling hard and with the e-bike replaces car trips - but not walks and short, conventional bike rides.

Tip: The ride on the e-bike, for example, makes the (long) Commute more sustainableif you would otherwise have taken the car. You can find out how else you can get to work in the most environmentally friendly way possible in the linked blog post.

7. dispose e-bike properly

Even at the end of an electric bike's life, you can still do something to make it as sustainable as possible. After all, e-bikes contain valuable raw materials, which can be wonderfully recycled.

If it is definitely beyond repair, you should contact the dealer or retailer you trust or go directly to the nearest Recycling center turn. There, the components of your electric bike are then recycled hydrometallurgically (by shredding) or pyrometallurgically (by melting).

E-bikes are sustainable when used wisely

Electric bicycles represent a significant step toward sustainable mobility. Although their production and use are not completely emission-free, compared to conventional means of transport they offer a significantly better CO2 balance.

However, also decide the Use and care about how sustainable the e-bike actually is. Through conscious use, regular maintenance, buying refurbished models and charging with renewable energy, you can actively contribute to further reducing the environmental impact of e-bikes - and transport in general.

"Bicycles may change, but cycling is timeless."

Zapata Espinoza (more at Bicycle Quotes)

Do you have any questions, suggestions or further tips for your most environmentally friendly use of e-bikes? Then I look forward to your comment.

Stay sustainable,

PS: Look you now with pleasure still further in the Blog about sustainable mobility um. There, for example, I also examined more closely whether E-scooter environmentally friendly are. Have fun!

References:
₁ Federal Statistical Office: press release No. N025 of April 26, 2023 - Sales in the retail bicycle trade up 2.4 percent in real terms in 2022 compared with previous year, available at https://www.destatis.de/DE/Presse/Pressemitteilungen/2023/04/PD23_N025_45_63.html. [19.11.2023].