CO₂ emissions in transport: The problem
The transport sector is responsible for around 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in Germany – largely due to private motorized transport. According to the Federal Environment Agency, an average car emits approximately 140 to 180 grams of CO₂ per kilometer driven – depending on the vehicle type and driving behavior.
Added to this are other factors such as traffic jams, finding parking, and energy consumption in manufacturing and maintenance. The more people use cars regularly, the larger the ecological footprint — especially for short journeys, which are often less than 5 km.
The bicycle: climate protection on two wheels
The traditional bicycle produces virtually no direct emissions. Only small amounts of CO₂ are generated during production and maintenance – but these are less significant considering the often years-long use. Therefore, those who regularly switch to a bicycle save CO₂ – often after just a few weeks compared to using a car.
A calculation example:
Anyone who cycles 10 kilometers a day instead of driving saves over 500 kilograms of CO₂ per year. This is roughly equivalent to the CO₂ emissions of a round-trip flight from Frankfurt to Rome.
The e-bike: Environmentally friendly despite the battery
Critics often ask: “How sustainable is an e-bike with a battery and motor really?” The good news: e-bikes also have a very good carbon footprint.
While battery production and electricity consumption do generate emissions, these are comparatively low. A Dutch study calculated that an e-bike produces approximately 22 grams of CO₂ per kilometer – including production, maintenance, and electricity consumption. By comparison, a car produces six to eight times that.
In addition, the e-bike extends the range, makes longer distances suitable for everyday use and thus more often replaces car journeys that might otherwise not have been made with a conventional bike.
Why e-bikes make the difference
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More people are switching: For many, the e-bike is their entry point into a new, active form of mobility. Uphill climbs, headwinds, or longer distances are no longer a deterrent.
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Commuting is becoming more attractive: Those who ride an e-bike to work save CO₂ and often even time – without any traffic jams.
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Fewer short car journeys: Around 50% of all car journeys in Germany are shorter than 5 km. An ideal application for e-bikes.
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Multimodal mobility: In combination with buses and trains, e-bikes can bridge the last mile and facilitate the switch to public transport.
Tips: How to reduce your CO₂ footprint with an e-bike
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Replace your car instead of supplementing it: Use your e-bike specifically for journeys that you would otherwise have taken by car.
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Conscious charging: Charge your battery with green electricity – this makes your e-bike even more climate-friendly.
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Choose durable models: High-quality e-bikes have a longer lifespan and require fewer spare parts.
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Don’t forget maintenance: Well-maintained e-bikes last longer and ride more efficiently.
Conclusion: Actively protect the climate with an e-bike
Cycling — whether traditional or electric — is a simple, effective, and healthy way to reduce your carbon footprint. E-bikes, in particular, make it easy to integrate climate-friendly mobility into everyday life. They replace cars, relieve congestion in cities, and make an important contribution to climate protection.
So, if you pedal more often in the future, you will not only be more environmentally conscious – but also feel good about it.
