When it comes to sustainable transportation options, bikes are often cited as an eco-friendly alternative to cars. However, with the rise of electric bikes (e-bikes), there is a growing debate about which type of bike is truly the greenest. In this article, we will compare the CO2e emissions produced by riding an e-bike versus a pedal bike, using the inputs provided at the bottom of the page.
To start, let's look at the CO2e emissions produced by charging an e-bike battery. According to the inputs, it costs 34.04p to charge a 48V 17AH battery, which has a total capacity of 816 watt-hours (Wh). This means that to charge the battery, we need 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity. The CO2e emissions associated with this amount of electricity is 0.193 kg CO2e per kWh. Therefore, the CO2e emissions from charging an e-bike battery are 0.193 kg CO2e.
Now, let's compare this to the CO2e emissions produced by riding a pedal bike. According to the inputs, a 70kg rider on average terrain would burn approximately 620 calories on a 20 mile ride. To put this into context, 100g of rice produces 0.16 kg CO2e, and 100g rice has 130 calories. Therefore, to burn 620 calories, the rider would need to consume approximately 477g of rice (620 calories / 130 calories = 4.77 servings of 100g). This would result in 0.76 kg CO2e emissions (4.77 servings x 0.16 kg CO2e per serving).
So, in terms of CO2e emissions, the e-bike produces 0.193 kg CO2e for a 20 mile ride, while a pedal bike produces 0.76 kg CO2e for the same distance. This means that the e-bike is the clear winner when it comes to sustainability.
However, it's important to note that this calculation only takes into account the CO2e emissions associated with charging the e-bike battery and the food required to fuel a pedal bike ride. It doesn't consider other factors such as the production and disposal of the bikes themselves, or the infrastructure required to support each type of bike. Additionally, the emissions associated with producing the electricity used to charge the e-bike battery can vary depending on the source of the electricity (e.g. coal vs renewable energy).
In conclusion, when it comes to CO2e emissions, an e-bike is a more sustainable option than a pedal bike. However, it's important to consider all the factors involved in sustainable transportation and choose the option that makes the most sense for your specific situation.
The CO2e from the production and shipping of 100g rice is 0.16KG
CO2e per KWH UK electric produces 0.193KG CO2e per KWH (based on 2022)
battery range
General rule of thumb (for 70kg rider) is 40WH per miles on full electric , and 10WH per miles with pedal assist and eco speeds.
816WH will achieve 20 miles full electric
100g of rice will only provide 130g calories (equivalent of what your would burn off in a 3mile bike ride for 3mile bikes)
Cost
The current average cost per KWH of electric in the UK is 34.04p a dramatic increase from the start of the year at 20.1p, 1KWH can fully charge a 816WH battery able to achieve 20 miles full electric (based on 70kg rider on average terrain) A 48v17ah battery (816WH) can be fully charged with under 1KWH costing under 35p, and able to achieve 20miles with less pollution then the production and shipping of 100g portion rice.
Using a 48v17ah battery everyday will cost under £150 a year, or to complete a full 24,901 miles on the odometer you will be looking at only £450.
