In the urban commuting scenario within 5 kilometers, the energy efficiency of the electric bicycle reaches 0.02kWh/km. Calculated at the electricity price in Beijing, the cost per kilometer is 0.012 yuan. Compared with the 125cc fuel-powered scooter (with a fuel consumption of 2.1L/100km and 0.178 yuan per kilometer), it saves 93% of the fuel expenditure. According to data from the International Energy Agency, if 10% of short-distance motorcycle trips were replaced by electric bicycles, global annual fuel consumption could be reduced by 120 million barrels, worth more than 60 billion yuan. The actual test of the Yadea DE3 model shows that the maintenance cycle of its brushless motor reaches 5,000 kilometers, and the maintenance cost is 82% lower than that of motorcycles (annual cost 300 yuan vs. 1,680 yuan). Moreover, the regenerative braking system can recover 18% of the kinetic energy in congested roads, increasing the range by 12%.
In terms of environmental benefits, electric bicycles emit only 22 grams of carbon per 100 kilometers, which is 99.5% lower than that of fuel-powered scooters (4,300 grams). The EU’s New Battery Act, which will come into effect in 2027, requires that batteries have a cycle life of over 800 times and a capacity retention rate of no less than 80%. This means that high-quality electric bicycle batteries can be used continuously for 5 to 7 years, with a material recovery rate of 95%. According to estimates by the New York City Department of the Environment, replacing 50,000 fuel-powered scooters with electric bicycles is equivalent to adding 340 hectares of forest carbon sink capacity annually. The source analysis of PM2.5 in Beijing in 2023 shows that motorcycles contributed 3.7%, while electric bicycles were close to zero emissions.
The policy adaptability is more advantageous. Hangzhou offers a maximum purchase subsidy of 800 yuan for electric bicycles and waives an annual vehicle and vessel tax of 120 yuan. In contrast, since 2020, Shenzhen has banned fuel-powered motorcycles from entering the urban area, while electric bicycles have the right to use dedicated lanes. In terms of safety, an electric bicycle equipped with a hydraulic disc brake has a braking distance of 2.4 meters at a speed of 30km/h, which is 34% shorter than the drum brake system of a motorcycle. Moreover, the IP67 waterproof design reduces the failure rate in rainy days by 71%. German DEKRA crash tests show that the frame of an electric bicycle can withstand a load of 150kg, which is 25% higher than the standard for motorcycles.
Time efficiency redefines the commuting economy. Electric bicycles take an average of 9 minutes to travel a distance of 3 kilometers, which is 37% faster than cars (Autonavi Maps 2024 data). After Meituan riders started using the No. 9 F90 model, their average daily delivery volume increased from 45 to 58 orders, and their monthly income rose by 1,950 yuan, which is equivalent to the time value created per liter of gasoline rising to 21 yuan per hour. Technological innovation continues to expand its advantages. In 2024, Bosch’s new motor has an efficiency of 93%, with a climbing power consumption 62% lower than that of motorcycles. Meanwhile, Gogoro’s intelligent battery swapping system enables battery replacement within 20 seconds, increasing the energy replenishment efficiency by 15 times. These data prove that in the current era of accelerated urbanization, electric bicycles are becoming a better individual mobility solution.