Cycling and the Environment: The Contribution of Electric-Assist Bicycles (e-bikes) to Urban Carbon Reduction

On Taiwan’s city streets, a mode of transport somewhere between a bicycle and a scooter is becoming increasingly common—the electric-assist bicycle, commonly known as the e-bike. Unlike electric scooters, the motor on an e-bike only provides assistance while you pedal, making riding less strenuous while retaining the physical activity of cycling. This design is changing many people’s perception of “I can commute by bike.”

Definition of e-bikes and Taiwan regulations

In Taiwan, according to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, an electric-assist bicycle is defined as: primarily driven by human pedaling, with the electric assist system automatically cutting off at 25 km/h, and a motor power not exceeding 250W. E-bikes meeting these conditions do not require a license plate or compulsory insurance, and have the same road rights as regular bicycles.

Electric vehicles exceeding the above specifications must be registered and licensed by law, falling under the management scope of light electric scooters.

Why do e-bikes help reduce carbon emissions?

The carbon-reduction effect of e-bikes lies in their ability to effectively replace trips that would otherwise be made by cars or scooters. Research shows that the main reasons most people don’t commute on regular bicycles are:

1. Taiwan’s hilly terrain—slopes deter the average person
2. Commuting distances over 5–8 km demand too much physical exertion, leaving riders drenched in sweat upon arrival
3. Taiwan’s hot and humid climate makes regular cycling unsuitable for formal attire

The electric assist of e-bikes precisely addresses these three barriers. When someone who originally drove to work switches to an e-bike, the carbon reduction is direct and quantifiable.

Carbon emission comparison of various transport modes

From the numbers, e-bike carbon emissions are far lower than those of cars and scooters, and because the motor power is small (below 250W), even though Taiwan’s electricity grid is not yet fully decarbonized, e-bike emissions remain extremely low.

Practical applications of e-bikes in Taiwan’s cities

Taipei: The last mile for hillside communities

Many residential areas in Taipei are located in hilly zones (such as Neihu, Muzha, and Beitou), where getting home from a bus stop or MRT station often requires climbing slopes. E-bikes allow these residents to handle inclines with ease, replacing taxis or private car use with electric assistance.

Taichung: Extending mileage beyond YouBike

Taichung’s city streets are wide, making e-bikes highly practical as a commuting tool. For office workers with commutes of 10–20 km, regular bicycles fall short, and e-bikes fill the gap where public bike-sharing coverage is insufficient.

Kaohsiung: Accelerated commuting on flat terrain

Kaohsiung’s terrain is flat, so e-bikes there don’t need to overcome slopes but rather provide a more relaxed cruising speed, allowing riders to maintain a comfortable pace over longer distances without arriving at their destination drenched in sweat.

Environmental concerns of e-bikes: The battery issue

E-bike batteries typically last 500–1000 full charge cycles, with a service life of about 3–7 years. The recycling and disposal of batteries after their lifespan is an unavoidable issue in the environmental case for e-bikes.

Currently, Taiwan’s recycling mechanisms for electric bicycle batteries are not yet well-established. Some brands offer recycling services, but the market as a whole still lacks a unified battery recycling system. This is an area where policy needs to catch up more quickly.

Practical advice for purchasing an e-bike

• Confirm compliance with Taiwan regulations: Before purchasing, verify that the motor power is ≤250W and the maximum assist speed is ≤25 km/h to legally ride on bicycle lanes
• Choose brands with comprehensive service: E-bike battery and motor repairs require specialized expertise; confirm that reliable maintenance services are available locally
• Test ride first: The pedaling feel of e-bikes varies significantly by brand and system (Shimano Steps, Bosch, etc.), so decide after a test ride
• Consider battery capacity: If your commute is longer, choose a battery with larger capacity (400Wh or above) for greater range on a single charge

Conclusion

The e-bike is not a tool for the lazy; it is a bridge that brings more people into the cycling lifestyle. When someone who originally drove starts commuting by e-bike, the city streets have one less car and gain a measure of quiet and cleanliness. On Taiwan’s path toward net-zero emissions, the e-bike is an accessible, immediately effective personal choice.

Related Reading

• Electric-Assist Bicycles (E-bikes): Who Are They Suitable For?
• Taiwan Market Trends for Electric-Assist Bicycles (E-Bikes)
• Cycling and the Environment: Calculating the Carbon Emission Benefits of Choosing a Commuter Bicycle Over Cars and Scooters
• The Complete Guide to Electric Bicycle Commuting: A Smart Choice to Say Goodbye to Traffic Jams and Sweat