The rise of electric cycling has health benefits for people and the environment. Such benefits occur, for example, when the electric bicycle replaces short trips by car. There are also disadvantages though, especially for young people. Electric bicycles may cause them to become less physically active. Additionally, the use of electric bicycles has resulted in more - and more serious - road accidents. This is the outcome of a study conducted by RIVM.
For this study, RIVM analysed data on physical activity and accidents from the Lifestyle Monitor. It also performed a literature scan and organised a meeting with experts.
Pros and cons
The study shows that the rise of electric cycling has its pros and cons, both in terms of physical and mental health and the environment. Among other things, this depends on the distance travelled, the level of electric support and the means of transport being replaced. When an electric bicycle is used instead of a car, there may be environmental benefits. For road safety, however, there are only disadvantages, namely more - and more serious - accidents.
Different effects in different groups of the population
Among young people, the use of electric bicycles is expected to have negative health effects, because in this group electric bicycles tend to replace traditional bikes. This may cause young people to become less physically active. Young people between 12 and 17 years of age mainly opt for electric bicycles because of speed.
For other groups, however, electric bicycles offer benefits. These include older people and persons with a disability and people who are overweight or have a chronic condition. Electric bicycles enable them to remain active for longer.
Educational information about the benefits of physical exercise, safe cycling, and discouraging the use of electric bicycles for short distances, may help to reduce adverse health effects. Wearing a helmet can increase road safety for cyclists.
More and more people in the Netherlands are using electric bicycles
More and more people from all levels and groups of the Dutch society are choosing the electric bicycle. It makes cycling easier for them and allows them to cover longer distances. In 2023, approximately 29% of all Dutch cyclists only used an electric bicycle, up 6% compared with 2021. At 68%, the 50+ category remains the largest group of users of electric bicycles. Notably, the number of young people up to the age of 24 using the electric bicycle doubled within two years.
Rapid developments are creating a need for more research
The number of electric bicycles (including fatbikes) is expected to continue to increase. More research is needed to map the effects of this on health and the environment. Such research could focus, for instance, on the influence of pedal assistance on the physical effort required when riding an electric bicycle, or on how often electric bicycles replace car use.
This RIVM study was commissioned by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.