Are Electric Bikes Eco-Friendly?

Many times when you hear the words “electric bike” you will hear people say that they are eco-friendly, good for the environment, and the future of transportation. But what does all that really mean? And is it actually true? That is what we are here to tell you about. Sit down, relax, and enjoy this quick read where we will give you the answers to the questions you might be asking.


Sections in this blog:

  • What does it mean for something to be eco-friendly or sustainable?

  • Benefits of using an electric bike on the environment

  • Downsides of electric bikes and the effects they have on the environment.

  • Getting the most out of your battery

  • Final thoughts

What does it mean for something to be eco-friendly or sustainable?


According to the Cambridge Dictionary, being eco-friendly means being ‘designed to have little or no damaging effects on the environment’. You have probably already used many eco-friendly products before. Have you ever gotten a paper straw instead of a plastic one at a restaurant? That right there is a great example of an eco-friendly product!


When talking about products that are eco-friendly you will also hear the word sustainable quite often. Sustainability has to do with a much more broad aspect of the world we live in. For something to be sustainable, it is not going to impact future generations. This can be related to products, activities, and even issues going on in the world.


Typically, eco-friendly and sustainability go hand in hand. This will be important to remember as we dive further into how this is related to electric bikes. Something that is eco-friendly is something that is doing pretty much no harm to our planet.

Benefits of using an electric bike on the environment.


Zero Emissions & Pollution


Since electric bikes are unlike other powered forms of transportation, not using diesel or gas, they do not release carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Electric bikes can be powered by your own two feet, or with electric energy (rechargeable battery).


Since they have zero emissions, this also means they do not release smog or toxic gasses into our air that contribute to pollution. Air pollution can cause many health issues, including respiratory problems.


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Long Lasting Batteries


Electric bikes use rechargeable batteries. This is a great source of energy for electric bikes since they can hold a charge and are made to last for a long time. Specifically, the batteries used with electric bikes are going to be lithium-ion batteries, and not lead batteries as you will see in a car.


On the image to the left, you can see that the battery is positioned under the seat.


Energy Efficiency


For something to be energy efficient, it needs to use less energy to perform the same task or to produce the same result.

If you look into the figures around electric bikes and how they compare to traditional means of transportation, you will probably be impressed.


For example, electric bikes are 18 times more energy-efficient than SUVs or 4x4s and 13 times more energy efficient than a sedan-style car!

Using Sustainable Energy


Solar energy is the main form of preferred sustainable and clean energy. Solar energy is just like it sounds, it comes from the sun, which is unlimited and renewable.


Electric bikes are able to operate on solar energy, which would make them 100% environmentally friendly when you use them.


How would an electric bike use solar energy? By having a solar-panel charger!


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Taking Care of the Roads


Electric bikes are a very lightweight form of travel compared to other means of transportation, and this can have a big effect on our roads. When roads get damaged and need to be repaired, they require the use of even heavier vehicles which contribute even more to air and noise pollution.


Reduction in Your Carbon Footprint


A carbon footprint is the entire amount of greenhouse gasses that are produced by our actions and riding an electric bike is a great way to reduce your own personal carbon footprint. As we have discussed electric bikes produce zero emissions, they can use 100% sustainable energy, and they do not contribute to air, or noise pollution. These are all things that can affect your carbon footprint and reduce the mark you leave behind.

Downsides of electric bikes and the effects they have on the environment.


Lithium Ion-Batteries


While lithium-ion batteries are a great way to power electric bikes, there are still some issues with how they get them, as well as the disposal of them. The mining process to get lithium does harm the soil and can cause air contamination.


Recycling the Battery


If lithium-ion batteries are not disposed of properly, they can leak metals like cobalt and nickel into the ground and cause groundwater pollution. That is why it is important to recycle your battery at a certified battery electronics recycler that accepts batteries rather than throwing them away or putting them in your recycle bin.

The image above shows what a lithium mining field looks like.


That is why it is important to recycle your battery at a certified battery electronics recycler that accepts batteries rather than throwing them away or putting them in your recycle bin.



Getting the most out of your battery


We have already discussed briefly the batteries used in electric bikes. The lithium-ion battery is going to have the biggest effect on the environment when you are looking at an electric bike as a whole. That is why understanding how to get the most out of your battery is a crucial part. With the right care, you will be able to improve your battery life drastically.

Storing your battery properly is super important if you want your battery to last, and to get the most out of it.


Lithium-ion batteries need to be stored in a well-ventilated, dry area that is kept between 40-80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also important to keep it away from heat sources, water, and direct sunlight.


You also will want to make sure you don’t overcharge, or keep your battery dead for too long. It may be best to look for a charger that has an automatic cut-off function when the battery reaches a full charge. This will make sure that you aren’t “overcharging” the battery which can cause stress on the battery.


You also don’t want your battery to stay dead, as that will also stress it. It is best to store your battery with at least 20-40% charge.


You can store the battery in the bike (like in the picture to the left) or you can remove the battery for charging.

Final Thoughts


Almost anything that is manufactured in this world can have some kind of negative effect on the environment. And making electric bikes has an impact on the environment, just like making traditional bicycles does.


As a mode of transport, electric bikes have significant environmental advantages over petrol cars and other modes of transportation, with zero emissions, helping to reduce air and noise pollution, as well as reducing your carbon footprint.


If you are looking to help reduce your carbon footprint that you leave behind, an electric bike is a great way to do that. They are the future of transportation as many say…


Let us know if you have any questions or comments below.