A comparative study on the environmental analysis of two-wheeled means of transport, with data on emissions, energy consumption, and life cycle

by Marco Arezio

The growing focus on sustainable mobility has brought increasing attention to a rapidly spreading urban transport solution: the electric bicycle.

But how truly “green” is it compared to its traditional counterpart, the conventional bicycle? A comparative analysis of the two models, taking into account their entire life cycle and environmental impacts, reveals a more complex reality than one might expect.

For environmentally conscious citizens, understanding these dynamics is essential for making informed choices toward low-emission mobility.

The life cycle: a necessary lens for evaluating impact

To properly assess the environmental impact of a bicycle, it is essential to adopt a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach, which analyzes the product’s entire life cycle—from raw material extraction and assembly to everyday use and final disposal.

This type of analysis considers several environmental indicators, such as total energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions (expressed in CO₂ equivalents), air and water pollution, and the use of natural resources.

Production: the e-bike starts at a disadvantage

During the production phase, the electric bicycle has a significantly greater environmental impact than the conventional one. This is mainly due to additional components such as:

- the lithium battery, often made with rare and difficult-to-extract materials

- the electric motor;

- the electronic control circuits

Battery production alone can account for up to 30–40% of an e-bike’s total environmental impact. Moreover, the energy required to manufacture an electric bicycle is about twice that needed for a traditional bike.

Daily use: the e-bike's strong point

Despite the environmental weight of the production phase, the use phase is where the electric bicycle gains ground. Compared to any other motorized vehicle, the e-bike consumes extremely low amounts of energy. On average, an e-bike uses between 1 and 2 kWh per 100 km, compared to 6–10 kWh for an electric scooter or 15–20 kWh for an electric car.

Furthermore, the ability to cover longer distances and handle hilly routes without fatigue encourages many people to replace their cars for daily urban commuting. This "substitution effect" is an indirect but significant environmental benefit that reduces total emissions related to urban mobility.

End-of-life and disposal: a factor not to overlook

The end-of-life treatment of an electric bicycle is more complex and impactful. Lithium batteries must be collected, treated, and recycled safely, otherwise, they can pose a threat to the environment and human health.

Electric motors and electronic components also present considerable challenges for disposal. In contrast, conventional bicycles, made mostly of metal, are more easily recyclable and have a lower impact during this phase.

Total emissions: a numerical comparison

Considering the Global Warming Potential (GWP), expressed in kg of CO₂ equivalent, the conventional bicycle maintains very low values, below 5 kg CO₂eq per 100 km. The electric bicycle, on the other hand, can reach 20–30 kg CO₂eq for the same distance, depending on the electricity mix used (coal, gas, renewables).

However, when the comparison is extended to other forms of transport, both types of bicycles prove to be far more sustainable than motorcycles, private cars, and even many forms of public transportation—especially when powered by renewable energy sources.

Final considerations: which one to choose?

The answer depends on intended use and urban context:

- If the goal is to minimize your ecological footprint, the conventional bicycle is the ideal choice.

- If you live in a city with challenging routes, long distances, or if you want a practical daily alternative to a car, the electric bicycle remains a sustainable choice, especially if powered by renewable energy.

It is important to remember that the e-bike should not be demonized simply because it consumes electricity. The key is to contextualize its use and promote circular economy principles in the production and disposal of its components.

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