Study: E-Bikes Could Be Transportation Game Changers

Lloyd Alter shares news of a recent study published in the journal Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives that makes a substantial case for the potential of e-bikes as a substitute for driving.

A key finding of the study is that e-bike riders get as much exercise as many conventional bike riders, because e-bike riders take longer trips.

"But perhaps even more significant is the dramatic increase in exercise among people who switch from cars to e-bikes," according to Alter, because the transition is much easier than switching from a car to a conventional bike.

One caveat offered by Alter informs the finding about physical activity: The study examines the use of European pedelec e-bikes, which require riders to pedal before the motor kicks in. "Results probably don't apply to overpowered throttle-controlled American e-bikes or scooters."