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Electric Bikes in the People’s Republic of China
Impact on the Environment and Prospects for Growth
Electric bikes (e-bikes) provide low-cost, convenient, and relatively energy-efficient transportation to
an estimated 40 million–50 million people in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), quickly becoming
one of the dominant travel modes in the country. As e-bike use grows, concerns are rising about lead
pollution from their batteries and emissions from their use of grid electricity, primarily generated by coal
power plants. This report analyzes the environmental performance of e-bikes relative to other competing
modes, their market potential, and the viability of alternative battery technologies. It also frames the role
of e-bikes in the PRC’s transportation system and recommends policy for decision makers in the PRC’s
central and municipal governments.
About the Asian Development Bank
ADB’s vision is an Asia and Pacific region free of poverty. Its mission is to help its developing member
countries substantially reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of their people. Despite the
region’s many successes, it remains home to two thirds of the world’s poor: 1.8 billion people who
live on less than $2 a day, with 903 million struggling on less than $1.25 a day. ADB is committed to
reducing poverty through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional
integration.
Based in Manila, ADB is owned by 67 members, including 48 from the region. Its main instruments
for helping its developing member countries are policy dialogue, loans, equity investments, guarantees,
grants, and technical assistance.
Asian Development Bank
6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City
1550 Metro Manila, Philippines
www.adb.org
ISBN 978-971-561-793-2
Publication Stock No. RPT090040
Printed in the Philippines
Electric Bikes in the
People’s Republic of China
Impact on the En