VOLUME: 09, Special Issue 04, (IC-SPIPS-2022), Paper id-IJIERM-IX-IV, May 2022 24
E-BIKES CONTRIBUTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: A STUDY WITH REFERENCE TO CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES
Dr. Goldie Zaki
HOD, Commerce, Associate Professor, St. Paul Institute of Professional Studies, Indore
Abstract - Environmental sustainability in the present context is a gigantic issue that needs an immediate consideration. With increasing threat to the environment, the existing generation has a significant role to play in conserving the environment, sustaining it for the future generations and ensuring its safe existence. Electric bikes have been introduced as a step towards the endeavour of reducing pollution and contributing to green management, as it is a less polluting means of transportation coupled with being ultra-light personal mobility tool. This study aims at understanding the viability of e-bikes in solving transportation issues, challenges faced, analyzing purchase variables, identifying trends in the field and suggestions thereof. Although the e-bikes are cheaper and environmental friendly vehicles yet the road ahead is demanding. The firms can work on the threats and convert them into opportunity with the help of effective marketing strategies and awareness campaigns.
Keywords: Environment, Sustainability, Purchase variables, Challenges.
1 INTRODUCTION
Electric bikes use a motor to assist the movement of the pedals, making riding the bicycle less taxing. Some designs allow the bike to move forward under its own power from the motor while others require your assistance to pedal. Don’t confuse electric bicycles with motorcycles.
There is a common myth that electric bicycles are like scooters, but they are actually very similar to regular bicycles, but with an electric motor. The only significant difference in appearance is the inclusion of the electrical drive
system. This includes a motor, a battery, and sometimes a display screen.
Electric bikes (EAPC’s) are an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative means of transport for drivers who are disqualified from driving. Electric bikes that meet certain specific technical requirements do not need to be registered, insured, taxed and no licence is required to ride them.
2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE
1. Elliot Fishman and Christopher Cherry (2015) Electric bicycles (e-bikes) represent one of the fastest growing segments of the transport market. Over 31 million e-bikes were sold in 2012. Research has followed this growth and this paper provides a synthesis of the most
VOLUME: 09, Special Issue 04, (IC-SPIPS-2022), Paper id-IJIERM-IX-IV, May 2022 25
pertinent themes emerging over the past on the burgeoning topic of e-bikes. The focus is transport rather than recreational e-bike research, as well as the most critical research gaps requiring attention. China leads the world in e-bike sales, followed by the Netherlands and Germany. E-bikes can maintain speed with less effort. E-bikes are found to increase bicycle usage. E-bikes have the potential to displace conventional motorised (internal combustion) modes, but there are open questions about their role in displacing traditional bicycles.
2. Geoffrey Rose (2011) A range of factors, including improvements in battery and motor technology coupled with innovative industrial design, are contributing to the emergence of electric bicycles (E-bikes) with greater range and enhanced performance. This paper examines this emerging vehicle type within the context of sustainable transport.
Mobility, safety and environmental impacts are considered. While governments could employ a range of policy instruments to respond to the opportunities and threats presented by these vehicles, the primary focus internationally is on vehicle standards. A review of regulations in different countries highlights little consistency in the parameters used to regulate E-bikes. Unresolved issues are identified to guide future research on this vehicle type.
3. Maarten Kroesen (2017) After Asian countries, the e-bike is now also on the rise in many Western countries. Related to this development, an important question posed by scholars is to what extent the adoption of the e-bike will lead to environmental and health benefits. These will be present if the e-bike replaces travel by motorized modes. Surveying the literature addressing this issue, empirical studies conducted to date do indeed reach the conclusion that the e-bike is substituting travel by car. However, a general shortcoming of empirical studies is that substitution is assessed by asking direct questions to e-bike owners.
3 ENVIRONMENT CHALLENGES
Global environmental challenges, such as impacts of climate change, loss of biodiversity, over-use of natural resources and environmental and health issues, are critically linked to issues of poverty and the sustainability of ecosystems, and consequently, issues of resource security and political stability.Global energy investment in 2018 and change compared to 2017. (Source: IEA, World Energy Investment 2019).
Fossil Fuels are Nonrenewable. Non-renewable energy resources are estimated to deplete in the near future.
Dangerous to Produce.
Refinery and Oil Rig Explosions.
Water Pollution and Oil Spills.
Water Table Poisoning from Fracking.
Air Pollution and Smog.
Acid Rain.
Mercury Emission.
4 NEED FOR E-BIKES
E-bikes allow you to get to your destination faster than a regular bike. E-bikes are not more dangerous than regular bikes. They just have different risks. E-bikes tend to be safer than regular bikes because you can accelerate to get out of the way faster, and travel at higher speeds, keeping up with traffic. The technology gives you the extra oomph you need to cover miles of distance with little effort. You can also still take advantage of the multi-purpose cycle lane and paths that are traffic free, brilliant if you’re living in a city to slash your commute time. These are getting more and more popular in cities as governments and councils urge people to give up their car. As they are fast, it is highly recommended to wear a full face bike helmet.
With an increasing number of bike lanes being printed on major roadways (even superhighways!) and great support communities of bicycle collectives, there’s never been a better time to invest in a bicycle. But why just buy any bicycle – an electric bicycle has the convenience of a car and the traditional workings of a bicycle converged in a hallowed hybrid.
VOLUME: 09, Special Issue 04, (IC-SPIPS-2022), Paper id-IJIERM-IX-IV, May 2022 26 5 BENEFITS OF E-BIKES
Riding an e-bike is a lot like riding a regular bike with the added boost of an electric motor.
And having this motor with pedal assist has some advantages. Let's take a look at a few.
Improved physical health
Easier to ride
Better mental health
Great alternative to cars
Faster and safe
Most cyclists travel 10 to 12mph, but an e-bike can average 20mph. E-bikes allow you to get to your destination faster than a regular bike. E-bikes are not more dangerous than regular bikes. They just have different risks. E-bikes tend to be safer than regular bikes because you can accelerate to get out of the way faster, and travel at higher speeds, keeping up with traffic.
6 TOP COMPANIES SELLING E-BIKES IN INDIA AND THEIR SHARE Market Share of Top EV Two-Wheeler Producers
Companies Market share
Hero Electric 36%
Okinawa Autotech 17%
Ampere 14%
Ather 11%
Revolt 4%
Bajaj 4%
Benling 4%
TVS 2%
Others 9%
* https://tradebrains.in/electric-two-wheeler-companies-in-india/
7 SALES OF E-BIKES
*Source Electric Two Wheeler Sales FY 2022 – FADA
VOLUME: 09, Special Issue 04, (IC-SPIPS-2022), Paper id-IJIERM-IX-IV, May 2022 27 8 CHALLENGES
There might be a lot of benefits of electric bikes, however, they also come with some problems. The challenges faced by electric vehicles in India range from systematic issues to the mindset of the consumers. While they are becoming increasingly popular, it will still take a few years and massive infrastructure development for electric bikes to become mainstream. Some of the challenges faced by e-bikes are as follows:
Inadequate Charging Infrastructure
High Price of Electric Bikes
Range of Electric Bikes 9 FUTURE PROSPECTS
The India e-bike market was valued at USD 1.14 million in 2021, and it is expected to reach USD 2.31 million by 2027, projecting a CAGR of 12.69% during the forecast period (2022- 2027).
In recent years, there has been a rise in the demand for e-bikes in India. However, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the e-bike industry, like most others, saw a decrease due to a total shutdown of manufacturing sites, tight COVID-19 criteria to be followed during production, interruption of the supply chain, and other factors.
The growing customer demand for electric bikes for recreational and adventurous activities and the use of e-bikes in other sectors such as logistics and rentals are propelling the electric bike market in India forward. The country's large population, along with improving last-mile logistics, is predicted to provide the e-bike market a boost throughout the forecast period.
In India, the e-bike market is still in its infancy, with several local firms offering a diverse variety of devices. The expensive cost of e-bikes on the market, however, may hinder market expansion. Customers choose scooters over e-bikes since the average price of an e- bike in India is the same as a basic scooter.
10 CONCLUSION
The demand for e-bikes in Tier 1 cities is fast-growing, with sales in India growing at a double-digit yearly pace over the previous several years. E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Bangalore. Because e-bikes are more expensive than traditional bicycles, some businesses have established financing and EMI alternatives.
E-bike makers are focusing on improving the entire user interface by creating and developing e-bikes that can interact with the riders' smartphones and deliver real-time information on the speed and battery level. Customers are becoming more interested in e- bikes as a result of this. The market for electric bikes in India is positioned to develop fast throughout the forecast period, with an increasing number of companies entering the market and increased demand for e-bikes in last-mile deliveries.The demand for e-bikes in India has increased over the last few years. However, during and post the COVID-19 pandemic, along with most industries, e-bikes also witnessed a decline due to the complete shutdown of manufacturing sites, strict COVID-19 guidelines to be followed while manufacturing, and disruption of supply chains, among others.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. https://www.juicedbikes.com 2. https://www.aventon.com 3. https://www.drinkdriving.org 4. https://www.eea.europa.eu 5. https://www.linquip.com
6. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/india-e-bike
