40 Million Electric Bikes Spark Environmental Dilemma in China "As China motorizes, will electric bikes displace would-be car users or simply provide a stepping stone to full blown auto ownership? They will likely lead to both outcomes. To the extent that electric bike battery technology and production processes improve, electric bikes provide some of the highest mobility and access to an urban area with some of the lowest negative impacts to the transportation system or the environment."
Interesting article on the growth of electric bikes in China. The Chinese are upgrading their pedal power with lead-acid batteries. In the west one would assume that an electric bike on the road is displacing an automobile. However maybe we need to be careful to make sure we examine that more closely. Also if you are considering an electric drive for your bike then make sure that you opt for the most environmentally friendly battery technology. If you already own an electric bike then ensure that the batteries are eventually recycled and not just discarded.
