UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies

Cities are continually turning towards more sustainable modes of transportation as many adopt initiatives and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase quality of life. Active transportation is positioned at the center of this shift as many cities continually untether themselves from car travel and turn to walking/cycling as an alternative.One of the most effective alternatives to vehicular travel are bicycles, specifically electric bicycles (E-bikes). Cycling offers several mental and physical health benefits, and E-bikes dramatically reduce physical barriers to cycling through the addition of an electric motor that aids the user in propelling their bicycle. Bike Share programs have been active in North America for decades and have historically been the most accessible option for bicycle access to those who do not want the costs and responsibilities associated with ownership. As the need for public funding in Bike Share increases, some cities are turning to alternative Bicycle Incentive programs (any program that incentivises the increased adoption of bicycle use) to promote cycling modal share. Government bodies are capitalizing on the rising popularity of E-bikes and cycling in North America by designing and implementing more of these programs in the form of Purchase Subsidies, Leasing & Ride-to-Own programs, and Low-Interest Loans.