On 17 June 2024, as part of the SDG Local Solutions series, UNDP hosted a conversation featuring the experiences of London, the United Kingdom; Bengaluru, India; and Kampala, Uganda with electric bikes.
The webinar showed the journeys of Transport for London, the city of Bengaluru, and Kampala’s FABIO initiative, exploring the transformative potential of electric bicycles in addressing urban mobility challenges and enhancing urban transport systems.
The video recording can be watched on our YouTube channel – also available in Spanish and French.
Lessons from three cities reinventing urban transport
E-bikes are transforming urban transportation, offering sustainable, efficient, and inclusive alternatives. They address congestion and inadequate transit, provide reliable transport in hilly areas, and help reduce carbon emissions in cities. Besides, e-bikes are accessible to various demographics, including the elderly and those with physical limitations.
However, integrating e-bikes into urban transport systems requires strategic planning, investments in infrastructure such as bike lanes, secure parking, and charging stations. Supportive policies and regulations, including speed limits and operational zones, are also essential. Additionally, each city should develop and implement tailored solutions.
London: pioneering the future of mobility
The context
London aims for 80% of trips to be by walking, cycling, or public transport, reflecting its commitment to sustainability. With 31 million daily trips in the city, even a small shift to greener transport can have a big impact. Technological advancements like GPS trackers, AI-equipped e-bikes, and advanced payment systems are paving the way for this transformation.
Nevertheless, main challenges for transitioning towards greener transport include early engagement with local operators and innovators, fostering public-private collaboration for a fair e-bike market and addressing road safety for all transport modes. There is also a need for consistent infrastructure and promoting equity in transport options across the city.
Innovative approach and main outcomes
London’s transport strategy is founded on three pillars: promoting active transport for better health, providing alternatives through infrastructure and services to shift from cars to e-bikes, and enhancing e-transport to boost economic functioning.
This strategy has resulted in significant growth, marked by an increase in docking stations and bikes, including the introduction of e-bikes and e-scooter trials. Hence, since 2010 London’s bike initiative has flourished, with over 780 docking stations and 14,000 bikes, including 500 e-bikes. Moreover, public-private collaboration has been pivotal, fostering a fair market environment and developing inclusive infrastructure.
Bengaluru: embracing e-mobility amidst rapid urbanization
The context
Bengaluru, grappling with rapid urbanization, aims to enhance the share of trips made through public transport, biking, and walking by 2030. The city’s struggles, including urban expansion, congestion, and pollution, demand innovative solutions. Additionally, growth in vehicular pressures, coupled with increasing land demand, further emphasizes the need for effective urban mobility strategies.
Within this context, challenges for e-bike deployment include finding operators willing to serve both profitable and unprofitable areas, setting legislation for safe speed limits, and addressing insufficient national subsidies. Besides, the high cost of e-bikes in India makes them less accessible for daily workers and students. Moreover, the city lacks continuous networks of dedicated bike lanes, and there is a need to raise awareness among users about riding e-bikes in urban environments.
Innovative approach and main outcomes
Bengaluru has implemented a public bicycle-sharing system (PBS) and a micro-mobility system (SMMS) to ensure safe e-bicycle operation. The strategy includes regulated speed limits, with PBS using segregated tracks and SMMS operating under restrictions, ensuring safety with a maximum speed of 25 km/h.
Despite challenges, Bengaluru’s initiatives are progressing. Worth mentioning is the “two-step” strategy, which aims to enhance urban mobility and reduce pollution. This strategy includes incentives for infrastructure development, support for e-bike manufacturing and purchases, and comprehensive awareness campaigns. It also focuses on innovation in urban freight vehicles and encourages the transition from motorbikes to public transport or e-bikes.
Kampala: transforming lives through e-bikes
The context
In Kampala, congestion from motorcycles and vehicles contributes to 40% of CO2 emissions. To address this issue, the city is committed to promoting sustainable transport, reducing pollution, and fostering healthier urban living. Central to this effort is the FABIO initiative, which aims for zero-emission mobility in Uganda and across Africa. This initiative targets both urban and rural areas, prioritizing people with disabilities, young children, women, the elderly, and commuters.
However, several challenges remain. These include advocating for low import taxes on e-bikes and bike suppliers, expanding and separating road infrastructure, and establishing public spaces for e-bike sharing. Additionally, enhancing government policies for cycling, improving road safety, innovating in battery recycling, and supporting local production are critical areas of focus.
Innovative approach and main outcomes
FABIO envisions the bicycle as a socio-economic tool. Launched in 2017, a pilot program modified bicycles to meet Africa’s needs, resulting in a locally-invented e-bike. This e-bike can carry loads, has a battery range that lasts between 40 to 50 km, a top speed of 30 km/h, and uses solar energy for charging and battery swapping. It serves multiple purposes: providing access to water and education, empowering women, creating jobs, and generating income.
Community feedback has been positive, supporting bike-sharing and dedicated cycling infrastructure. The FABIO e-bike initiative has promoted inclusiveness and social equity by creating new opportunities for women, youth, and workers. Moreover, innovations in battery recycling and safety regulations ensure long-term sustainability, marking significant progress for Kampala.
LESSONS LEARNED
Integrating e-bikes into urban transport offers both opportunities and challenges, as seen in London, Bengaluru, and Kampala. The following are some characteristics identified throughout the conversation on how e-bikes can contribute and be a solution for urban transport systems:
- Role of government: governments are crucial in shaping e-bike policies, financing infrastructure, setting strategic goals, promoting innovation, and establishing procurement standards to reward effective operators.
- Citizen engagement: consulting users and non-users helps address their needs and concerns, such as journey purposes and road safety. Educating citizens on e-bike use and safety is also essential.
- Incentives and financial support: appropriate incentives balance commercial viability with urban goals. Subsidies for infrastructure, manufacturing, and e-bike purchases, along with incentives for operators, especially for low-income individuals, are key.
- Infrastructure development: a comprehensive network of dedicated bicycle lanes and mixed infrastructure is critical for safe and efficient e-bike use.
- Safety and regulation: ensuring road safety involves setting clear speed limits, behavioral regulations, and a code of conduct for users and operators.
- Innovation and experimentation: cities should pilot new technologies and sustainable approaches, such as using e-bikes for urban freight and local deliveries or establishing battery recycling.
- Tailored solutions: each city’s e-bike integration reflects its unique context, emphasizing the importance of tailored solutions, collaborative efforts, and strategic planning to achieve sustainable and inclusive urban mobility.
A call to action
The integration of e-bikes into urban transport is a movement towards a more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive future. The experiences of London, Bengaluru, and Kampala highlight the importance of local government support, strategic investments, and community engagement. These experiences demonstrate how innovative solutions can address urban challenges, paving the way for healthier environments. Their successes underscore the need for continued support, investment, and collaboration as cities worldwide consider adopting similar sustainable transport initiatives.