Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of an increase in the uptake of electric bikes on air quality and congestion.

The Government agrees that electrically assisted pedal cycles (or “e-bikes”), like other forms of cycling, have the potential to deliver significant benefits in relation to air quality and congestion, as well as in many other areas.

We have not carried out any detailed assessment of the potential impact of e-bikes on air quality or congestion, but the Government has regularly encouraged local authorities to consider supporting cycling and walking as ways to improve air quality in their areas.