Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Berkeley

Electric powered two-wheel bicycles, while extremely popular in China, have been recently banned by policy makers due to safety, congestion, and environmental concerns. This study investigates the tremendous growth of electric two wheel bicycles in China and compares and quantifies their environmental and safety impacts with the impacts of alternative modes of transportation, such as traditional bicycles, public transportation, or personal cars. The research also analyzes the benefits of electric two wheel bicycles, such as increased mobility and access to opportunities. Additionally, the author looks at the impacts of prohibiting the use of electric bicycles. Two case studies are carried out in Kunming and Shanghai, cities that have similar electric bicycle use but with very distinct differences.