We’ve talked about it before: electric bikes are a smart, eco-friendly alternative to traditional vehicles. By choosing an eBike for your daily commute, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and help make the planet a little greener.

But how exactly does an eBike compare to other modes of transport in terms of environmental impact? Let’s dive deeper into the facts.

eBikes vs. Cars: A Cost and Environmental Comparison

When it comes to cost, eBikes are a clear winner over cars:

• An eBike is typically 5-9 times cheaper than a car;
• Charging an eBike costs around $24–34 per year—far less than the $100+ for a full gas tank;
• Maintenance is simpler and more affordable.

Beyond affordability, eBikes are also better for the environment. But here's the question: what about their production? Is the manufacturing process really as clean as it seems?

How Green Are eBikes During Production?

While not entirely green, eBikes are still one of the most sustainable options compared to cars. Car manufacturing produces about 45g of CO2 per mile, while eBikes emit just 9g per mile—five times less!

The battery is the main concern. Lithium-ion batteries have a significant environmental impact due to lithium mining, which releases up to nine times more CO2 than the weight of the lithium itself. However, recycling is becoming more common and could become the standard in the future.

Shipping also plays a role. While all transportation leaves some carbon footprint, eBikes take up much less space than cars. This means more eBikes can be shipped in one load, reducing emissions per unit.

What About Riding an eBike?

Over its lifetime, an eBike emits around 100kg of CO2—if ridden daily or for long distances. In contrast, even electric cars like Tesla produce around 5 tonnes of CO2 annually due to their larger batteries and energy consumption.

Electric bike emissions are extremely low at 8–9g per mile, mostly from the battery. If you ride without pedal assist, the number drops even further. And when it comes to electricity, eBikes use just 2g of CO2 per mile—way better than fuel-powered vehicles.

No mode of transport is 100% green, but small choices matter. Supporting renewable energy, electric vehicles, and smarter city planning can make a big difference in the fight against climate change.