Globally, transport accounts for nearly a quarter of carbon emissions. And as the world grapples with the urgent need to decarbonise, much of the conversation is revolving around EVs. My family has two. We ditched internal combustion engines three years ago and will never go back. But while EVs are important, they’re not a silver bullet. Australia needs to rethink how we move around our cities, towns, and rural areas. We need to ask ourselves when a car is truly necessary. Often, the answer lies not in four wheels, but in two.
A recent article I read in The Conversation highlights a surprising fact: in other parts of the world, eBikes and mopeds are quietly revolutionising transport and cutting emissions far more than EVs. There are now 280 million of these vehicles globally compared to only 20 million EVs. They're reducing oil demand by about 1 million barrels per day. This is a far greater impact than EVs.
But in Australia, the story is a different one. We're still addicted to cars. Close to half of all our commuter trips are by car and under 10km. In Perth, of the 4.2 million daily car trips, 2.8 million are for distances of less than 2km!
So why aren’t eBikes and cargo bikes a bigger part of transport and climate action in Australia? Part of the answer lies in our culture and the way we’ve built our cities and lifestyles around cars. Cars are often seen as essential for everything from commuting to grocery shopping. Yet, as I’ve discovered, that's not necessarily the case.
When pressure increased to buy another car in my family after both my teenagers both got their P-plates, I chose instead to invest in a cargo bike. It’s not just an alternative to another car. I find my cargo bike more convenient and enjoyable. With a cargo bike, I can do the weekly shopping, integrate exercise into my lifestyle, and bring my dog Fred along for the ride. For many short trips - whether to Aldi, school, or Bunnings - a bike is faster and simpler than a car. It also eliminates the hassle of parking, the cost of fuel, and the guilt of contributing to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
But this isn’t just about individual choices, it’s about how we design our cities and transport. eMobility gadgets like eBikes and scooters are low-cost, high-impact opportunities to reduce emissions and improve urban amenity. Unlike EVs, eBikes don’t require massive investments in charging infrastructure or grid upgrades. What they do need are safe and accessible bike lanes and policies that incentivise their adoption.
Countries and cities that have embraced eMobility are already seeing the benefits. In the Netherlands, for instance, cycling infrastructure is so robust that over 25% of all trips are made by bike. This reduces congestion, cuts emissions, and improves air quality. Importantly, it also makes urban areas more liveable and attractive. Less space needed for car parking also means more space for housing which is in urgent short supply.
The rise of eBikes is also an opportunity to address issues of equity. EVs are out of reach for many households due to their high cost, but eBikes are affordable. With targeted subsidies or interest-free loans, governments can make eBikes even more accessible, helping families reduce costs while also cutting emissions and traffic congestion.
The key to unlocking the potential of eMobility is recognising that transport doesn’t have to revolve around cars. By normalising bikes and eBikes as important modes of transport - not just recreational toys - we can reshape how people think about daily travel. For short trips, bikes can be faster, cheaper, and more convenient than cars. And for those who need extra carrying capacity, cargo bikes are a game-changer. I do our family's weekly grocery shop with my e-Cargobike and still have enough room to take Fred! It can carry 200kg.
Australia has a chance to benefit, but it will take bold policy decisions. Local and State governments in particular, need to prioritise cycling infrastructure in urban planning, offer financial incentives for eBikes, and educate people about the benefits of choosing two wheels over four. This isn’t just about reducing emissions - it’s about creating healthier, happier and more liveable communities.
At a time when the climate crisis demands immediate action, eBikes are a solution that’s ready to go. The evidence is clear: 280 million eBikes worldwide are already making a massive impact. It’s time for Australia to join this movement and pedal forward.
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