Sustainable Cycling? Get an Electric Bike!

Sustainable Commuting

Whether electric cycling is sustainable cycling depends on which vehicle the e-bike actually replaces:

Car or Scooter

Do you normally always drive to work by car or scooter and have decided to switch to an electric bike? Then that’s definitely a more environmentally friendly choice! With an e-bike or speed bike, you don’t emit any CO² or particulate matter while riding. This way, you contribute to a better environment and cleaner air.

Regular Bike

When comparing an electric bike to a regular bike, a regular bike is more environmentally friendly because CO² is released when generating electricity for the e-bike’s battery. Fortunately, this is much less than what a car produces in CO² emissions: an electric bike causes only 3 percent of the CO2 emissions of an average car. Even though a regular bike is the most environmentally friendly.

The Car

People are simply more likely to choose a bike when it’s electric. So if you have to choose between traveling 10 kilometers by car or by electric bike, the e-bike is definitely the most environmentally friendly option. In this respect, the (fast) electric bike is an excellent alternative to the car. Another advantage is that you avoid traffic jams and potential parking problems. Plus, exercise is good for your health.

How to Ride Sustainably with an Electric Bike

There are ways to ensure your battery uses as little power as possible and is therefore better for the environment. Here are 3 tips:

1. Shift gears efficiently. When waiting at a red light, shift to a lighter gear. When the light turns green and you’re moving again, shift to a higher assistance level. This is similar to shifting gears in a car: you gradually shift to a higher gear as you cycle faster. When going uphill, put your e-bike in a lower gear so you can pedal more easily and lightly. This way, the motor doesn’t have to work as hard to help you get going.
2. Lower the pedal assistance level. The more pedal assistance you use, the fewer kilometers you can cover in total. So use those legs to pedal!
3. If your bike is stationary for a while, for example because you don’t like cycling in winter, store your battery at room temperature and charge it occasionally. This prevents deep discharge and ensures you’ll enjoy your battery for longer.

What Happens to Bike Batteries from ‘Old’ Bikes?

The battery of an electric bike lasts an average of 5+ years. When it eventually gives up, you can return the battery to your bike dealer or your local recycling center. Want to know more about returning your battery? Take a look at the website of legebatterijen.nl.

Cyclis also wants to handle bikes sustainably when they return after the lease period. Bikes that aren’t taken over by our customers come back to us and are prepared for the second-hand market.

Conclusion: is an E-Bike Environmentally Friendly?

Yes, because…

• an electric bike doesn’t emit CO² or particulate matter while cycling.
• a (fast) electric bike is a good alternative for daily car trips.
• the batteries are processed in an environmentally friendly way.

Still unsure whether to choose an electric or regular bike? Find out which bike suits you best. Discover it in our handy bike selector!