Improving accessibility in urban contexts through e-mobility

E-bikes are often promoted as environmentally friendly alternatives to cars, offering an extended range compared to traditional bicycles, overcoming geographical challenges like distances, hills and slopes, serving as effective last-mile solutions when integrated with public transportation and enabling specifically elderly or people with reduced physical fitness to ride with less effort. They are more affordable than cars and do not require a driving license, making them accessible to a broader range of users. However, the potential of e-bikes to truly enhance urban accessibility for all is not guaranteed. This chapter examines e-bikes through the lens of inclusivity, exploring their role in creating a more equitable urban transport system. It discusses the necessary conditions for e-bikes to become a genuinely inclusive mobility option, such as access to safe and connected cycling infrastructure, secure bike parking, and seamless integration with public transport. The chapter also considers potential challenges and risks, including unequal access and safety concerns, that must be addressed to realize the full potential of e-bikes in improving urban mobility.