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.