The true environmental impact of e-bikes

Oliver Montague, co-founder of Swytch Technology – the UK’s leading e-bike engineers – believes that a combination of rising costs of living and a focus on sustainability are key factors contributing to reduced car ownership.

Key stats

• 27% of Brits say they will change to an electric powered mode of transport in the next few years, because fossil fuels damage the environment.
• 24% of Brits say they were planning on buying an e-bike, but it is too expensive amidst the cost-of-living crisis
• 15% of Brits plan on not owning a car in the next five years. 
• 22% of Brits no longer use their car for short journeys

Swytch Technology – the world’s leading e-bike engineers – have today released a new research report finding that over a quarter (27%) of Brits plan to transition to an electric mode of transport in the next few years due to climate concerns. A recent study from People for Bikes shows that these efforts would be beneficial as they found that, if just 5% of commuters were to switch to e-bikes as their mode of transportation, emissions would fall by 4%.
 
Britons motorists are already on their way to reducing their rather substantial carbon footprint as proprietary research revealed that 22% have stated they no longer use their car for short journeys, while 15% plan on not owning a car entirely in the next five years. Arguments can be made as to whether this is down to the climate or the cost-of-living crisis (or a combination of both), regardless, these are encouraging numbers for environmentalists. 
 
In terms of options available for those looking to drive less, 24% of Brits were planning on purchasing an e-bike, but amidst the cost-of-living crisis, this proved to be too expensive. More than understandable when you factor in the average cost of an e-bike in the UK, which is anywhere from £1,477 to £2,921. This is where Swytch comes in, with their conversion kit coming in at £500, only a fraction of the price and able to give your standard bicycle the extra push it needs. 
 
CEO and co-founder of Swytch Technology, Oliver Montague, said: “Although there is still progress to be made in creating a sustainable transport infrastructure in the UK, consumer behavioural trends certainly show that the public is starting to delve into alternative modes of transport for their day-to-day activities.

“All research indicates that Brits are beginning to transition away from using their vehicles all the time, instead opting for greener, more cost-effective methods,  and I think that as sustainability becomes a key priority for the likes of millennials and Gen Z’s, petrol and diesel cars are definitely ‘losing their cool’. This is especially true now amid a cost-of-living crisis when owning and running a car has become far too expensive for a lot of people.

“At the forefront of this change are e-bikes. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they are also practical and cost-effective for both individuals and businesses. As more people turn to e-bikes for their daily commuting and delivery needs, we will see a significant reduction in our reliance on fossil fuels and a corresponding decrease in air pollution.

“We are proud to be at the forefront of this shift towards a more sustainable future, and we believe that e-bikes will continue to play a crucial role in reaching environmental goals.”

The new way to cycle: Who are Swytch?

The new Swytch Kit takes you further and faster by converting any regular bicycle into a state-of-the-art e-bike. The conversion kit features a world-first pocket-sized battery (the “Power Pack”) which is similar in size to a large smartphone, weighs just 1.5lbs (700g), recharges in just one hour from your mains power socket, and provides 10 miles range. Increasing the range is as easy as clicking off one battery, and connecting another, or upgrading to the larger battery option available with 20 miles range, and weighing 2.4lbs (1.1kg).