Our photovoltaic system in Waltrop is now successfully operational

Bicycles with electric pedal assistance are considered an environmentally friendly alternative to cars – and for good reason. They make it possible to cover longer distances, commuting routes, or transport heavy loads in a climate-friendly way. Especially in everyday life, they often replace car journeys and thus measurably contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions. In addition, our electric Hase Bikes models provide mobility for people who are unable to ride a conventional bicycle for health reasons. In this context, e-bikes mean participation, independence, and quality of life. At the same time, it is important to note that the environmental benefit mainly arises when car journeys are replaced. Switching from a non-motorised bicycle to an e-bike does not significantly improve one’s personal carbon footprint, as batteries, motors, and production also generate emissions. However, e-bikes can encourage people to cycle who would otherwise rely on cars. Key factors for sustainability therefore include usage patterns, product lifespan, repairability, and the electricity mix used. With durable products, spare parts availability, and the recommendation to charge batteries using renewable energy, e-bikes make an important contribution to climate-friendly mobility.

According to the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), a typical pedelec generates around 15 g CO₂ equivalents per passenger kilometre, whereas a car produces around 194 g. In use, an e-bike is therefore more than twelve times more climate-friendly than a car. However, production creates a one-time “carbon backpack”: manufacturing a pedelec battery generates approximately 27.5 to 37.5 kg CO₂ equivalents. These emissions occur upfront. What matters is how the e-bike is used. Anyone replacing car journeys with e-bike kilometres saves significant emissions per kilometre. When these savings are offset against the emissions from battery production, the carbon “backpack” is typically offset after around 150 to 300 kilometres. This means that after a relatively short time, the e-bike becomes more climate-friendly overall than a car – and every additional kilometre further improves the personal carbon footprint.

Source: German Environment Agency
https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/publikationen/umweltfreundlich-mobil

Bicycles are a particularly sustainable mode of transport because they offer multiple benefits at once: they promote users’ health through physical activity, save space in cities, and reduce traffic congestion and noise. At the same time, they lower air pollution and CO₂ emissions compared to cars. Bicycles improve quality of life in urban environments and support climate-friendly mobility. The more durable and repairable a bicycle is, the more sustainable it becomes over its entire lifecycle.

Yes, cargo bikes are considered a highly sustainable alternative to cars and delivery vehicles, especially in urban environments. They enable the transport of goods, shopping, or children without operational CO₂ emissions and require less space in traffic. However, their environmental impact depends on usage and production. Durable materials, repairable components, and replacing motorised vehicles increase sustainability. When charged with renewable energy, electrically assisted models are almost entirely climate-friendly. In short: cargo bikes combine efficiency, environmental protection, and everyday practicality – making an important contribution to sustainable urban mobility.