Shared E‑Bike Systems Outperform Ownership in Driving Access, Usage, and Emissions Reductions
This report evaluates three e-bike deployment models—individual ownership, ownership with charging access, and shared station-based systems—to understand their impact on transportation access, usage, and emissions. Findings show that station-based and shared models drive significantly higher usage, greater emissions reductions, and improved cost efficiency while expanding access to reliable transportation in underserved communities.
- Three deployment models tested
- Individual ownership (MOR E-BIKES)
- Ownership with charging stations (MOR + CHARGE)
- Shared station-based rentals (E-Bike Library)
- Station-based systems outperform ownership models
- Approximately 3x more trips per bike
- Up to 4x more miles traveled per bike
- Strong demand for essential trips
- Majority of rides were for commuting and errands
- Demonstrates e-bikes as a practical transportation option
- Meaningful emissions impact
- More than 77,000 miles ridden across the program
- Approximately 40% of trips replaced car travel
- Shared systems deliver highest cost efficiency
- Up to 10x greater CO2 reduction per dollar at scale
- High uptake among priority populations
- Majority of shared e-bike trips taken by income-qualified users
- Strong demand when cost barriers are reduced
- Operational advantages of station-based models
- Integrated charging, storage, and maintenance reduce barriers to use
- More reliable and complete data collection
- Broader benefits beyond emissions
- Improved access to jobs, services, and transit
- Reduced travel time and transportation costs
- New income opportunities such as delivery work
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