E-bikes fit the blueprint for a greener city, let’s make them viable: Opinion

Motorised devices have speed limit restrictions, are banned from footpaths, and theory tests are mandatory to ride them on roads. Notices were issued by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to more than 5,000 e-bike users in 2022 for riding on footpaths.

Despite the regulations and active enforcement, e-bikes on roads still pose risks. Much of this stems from the tension between motorists and e-bike users.

In an op-ed, NTU EOS Research Fellow Dr Erich Wolff discusses how electric bikes – or power-assisted bicycles – have been rapidly growing in popularity, and how an emphasis on education and green infrastructure is critical if we are to move towards sustainable modes of transport.

“Singapore is already well primed for e-bikes due to its mostly flat landscape and excellent connectivity, so we should start considering making the city more conducive and safer for them,” Dr Wolff wrote.  

“A bonus is that addressing these concerns can offer an opportunity to achieve other goals, as e-bikes can be part of a transition to a healthier and greener model of urbanisation,” adding: "Singapore is already well primed for e-bikes due to its mostly flat landscape and excellent connectivity, so we should start considering making the city more conducive and safer for them.”