E-bikes and urban transportation: emerging issues and unresolved questions

A range of factors, including improvements in battery and motor technology coupled with innovative industrial design, are contributing to the emergence of electric bicycles (E-bikes) with greater range and enhanced performance. This paper examines this emerging vehicle type within the context of sustainable transport. Mobility, safety and environmental impacts are considered. While governments could employ a range of policy instruments to respond to the opportunities and threats presented by these vehicles, the primary focus internationally is on vehicle standards. A review of regulations in different countries highlights little consistency in the parameters used to regulate E-bikes. Unresolved issues are identified to guide future research on this vehicle type.