We’ve all experienced the frustration of rush-hour traffic, where the city seems to grind to a halt. Commuters inch forward, losing time and patience, only to face another challenge when they eventually reach their destination: finding a parking spot. Public transport isn’t much better, with overcrowded buses and delayed trains turning the daily journey into an ongoing frustration.
Fortunately, new alternatives are making city travel more flexible. eBikes, for instance, once seen as a niche option, are now a practical solution for commuters, and as demand grows, governments are taking notice, investing in better cycling infrastructure to support the shift.
For example, London is expanding its Cycleway network by 250 miles, a series of connected, protected cycle routes that make cycling in the city safer and more convenient while also reducing conflict with motor vehicles. Similarly, Paris has committed €250 million ($261.8 million) to improve its cycle network. At the same time, advancements in battery technology and government incentives—like British Columbia’s eBike rebate program —are making eBikes more accessible than ever.
As more people turn to eBikes for daily commuting, their impact on city life continues to grow. So, stay with us as we take a closer look at how they’re shaping urban travel.
Why eBikes are taking over city commutes
Let’s be honest—no one wants to arrive at work exhausted from pedaling a traditional bike. That’s why more and more commuters are choosing eBikes. They offer all the benefits of cycling with far less effort, making them a practical choice for daily travel. In some cities, they’re used two to three times more per day than standard bicycles, proving just how popular they’ve become.
What else is driving this rapid shift? Several factors are pushing eBike adoption forward, including:
- Advancements in eBike batteries. This makes range anxiety a thing of the past. Some eBikes can travel up to 100 miles on a single charge, making them a feasible alternative to cars for daily commutes.
- Soaring fuel prices are pushing commuters to rethink their travel arrangements. As petrol costs continue to climb, many are turning to eBikes as a more affordable long-term investment.
- Governments are backing the movement. As we’ve already hinted at, incentives and city infrastructure projects are making eBikes more accessible than ever. London’s Santander Cycles scheme is a clear example—within its first year, eBikes powered over 684,000 trips, the majority of them commuter journeys.
As eBikes become increasingly prevalent, cities are beginning to see several benefits:
- Fewer cars on the road
- Lower emissions
- Improvements in public health
Below, we’ll take a closer look at each in turn:
How eBikes help cities cut traffic congestion
Few people realize just how much time and money congestion wastes. In 2024, the average US driver lost 43 hours to gridlock—that’s the equivalent of an entire work week—resulting in an estimated $771 in lost productivity. In cities like New York and Chicago, the delays are even worse, with some drivers spending up to 102 hours a year in standstill traffic.
The hours lost to congestion make one thing clear—cities need a smarter way to keep people moving. eBikes offer a simple fix, taking up far less space than cars and keeping commuters from turning the roads into a never-ending game of Tetris. Instead of one car clogging an entire lane, multiple eBikes can move through the same space, keeping traffic flowing instead of stacking up like a losing round.
Clearing up road space is only part of the solution—eBikes help reduce traffic congestion even after the ride is over. They also alleviate frustration when trying to find parking. The result? Drivers spend less time circling the block looking for a spot, easing pressure on city streets.
Why eBikes are a cleaner alternative to traditional cars
City air isn’t as fresh as it should be, and traffic plays a significant role in the problem. Cars pump out an average of 168–258 grams of CO₂ per kilometer (0.6 to 0.9 pounds of CO₂ per mile), adding to the smog that lingers over urban streets.
eBikes, on the other hand, produce just 22 grams per kilometer (0.08 pounds per mile)—a difference as stark as swapping a cheeseburger for a salad. Cutting emissions at this scale might seem small on an individual level, but when entire cities embrace cycling, the impact adds up.
Take the Netherlands for example. In 2022, the country’s per capita CO₂ emissions were nearly half that of the US (7.52 vs. 14.21 metric tons per person). One key difference? The Dutch have built cities around cycling, while many US cities are still designed for cars. In the Netherlands, 27% of all trips are made by bike, thanks to decades of investment in cycling infrastructure that has made riding safer and more convenient. Where bike lanes are prioritized, urban cycling surges—helped in part by eBikes. If more US cities made cycling an easy choice, the emissions impact could be phenomenal.
The health benefits of swapping car trips for eBikes
Traffic-related emissions pose a serious public health threat. Every year, they contribute to 4 million premature deaths worldwide, turning urban air into an invisible hazard. The culprits? High concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and fine particulate matter (PM₂.5) clogging up city air, especially in areas jam-packed with cars.
Some are more vulnerable than others. Children, the elderly, and those with preexisting health conditions experience the worst effects, but air pollution isn’t doing anyone any favors.
Studies link long-term exposure to traffic emissions with rising cases of:
- Asthma
- Lung infections
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Stroke
- Cognitive decline
The impact is massive. Air pollution accounts for 8% of the global disease burden, and nearly half of all chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cases are tied to poor air quality.
The message is clear: cutting emissions has direct health benefits, especially in cities where traffic pollution is a daily reality.
As we’ve already mentioned, rethinking how people travel is one of the most effective ways to reduce air pollution. Even replacing a small percentage of car trips with eBike rides leads to noticeable improvements.
Cities that invest in cycling infrastructure are already seeing this in action. Take Paris, for example. Pollution decreased by nearly 40% after the capital restricted car traffic and expanded bike lanes by 800 miles.
Maastricht is another fantastic example of how small changes can make a big difference. In a six-month pilot program, four small to medium-sized businesses swapped out their delivery vans for electric cargo bikes—and the results spoke for themselves. Together, they cut over a tonne of CO₂ while keeping deliveries on schedule.
Cleaner air is just one of the health benefits of eBikes. They also make it easier to stay active without the sweat-drenched effort of a traditional bike. For many, cycling sounds excellent in theory, but trudging long distances and the aches and pains the morning after make it seem more trouble than it’s worth.
Pedal assistance helps overcome those barriers, allowing you to keep moving without the strain that can turn biking into a full-on workout. This makes it easier for riders to enjoy the cardiovascular benefits of cycling without putting extra stress on the joints and muscles.
Studies have shown that cyclists reached 94% of the average heart rate achieved on a non-assisted mountain bike when riding an electric mountain bike, comfortably placing them in heart rate zone four. This suggests that eBikes can provide significant heart health benefits, making them an excellent option for those seeking to stay active.
For commuters, the benefits are equally impressive. eBike riders’ heart rates reached 89% of the mean achieved when riding a non-assisted hybrid bike, providing a moderate-intensity workout. One reason for this could be attributed with the fact as people gain confidence with their eBike, they rely less on the motor and because eBikes weigh more than a standard pedal bike, they are actually getting a better workout.
Beyond physical health, eBikes offer a boost to mental well-being as well. A study found that after eight weeks of using an eBike, participants saw noticeable improvements in their mood, making it an even more attractive option for those seeking a healthier, more sustainable way to get around.
The future of urban mobility is electric
As more commuters trade in gridlock for pedal-assisted travel, the benefits are undeniable: reduced traffic congestion, lower emissions, and healthier lifestyles. So, it’s no wonder governments worldwide are investing in bike-friendly infrastructure, making the momentum grow even stronger.
If you’re ready to be part of the movement and discover a smarter way to travel, sign up for updates and gain exclusive access to the launch of the CYKEL Hub.
