People more likely to ditch cars for e-bikes when they feel safe, confident

Finally, Australians are being encouraged to swap four wheels for two. Governments are investing in cycling infrastructure , and calls for e-bike subsidies are growing louder.

Giving people access to an e-bike is important. Building safer cycling infrastructure is fundamental. Yet neither is likely to change travel behaviour on its own. If we want people to leave their cars at home, they also need the skills, confidence and support to ride.

That was the clearest lesson from our study of 42 Western Sydney residents who took part in an eight-week supported e-bike program. The bike opened the door – but it was training, guided rides and social connection that gave people the confidence to walk through it.

Transport is Australia’s fastest-growing source of emissions, while car dependence places increasing financial pressure on households and contributes to congestion, inequity and poorer health outcomes.

For many policymakers, e-bikes appear to offer a promising solution. Unlike conventional bicycles, e-bikes make longer distances, hills and hot weather much easier to manage. They can replace short car trips, connect people to public transport, improve health and reduce transport costs. Around the world, governments have responded with subsidy programs designed to make e-bikes more affordable.

But there is an assumption built into many of these programs: if people have access to an e-bike, they will automatically use it.

Many Australians are interested in cycling but feel intimidated by riding in traffic. Others are uncertain about route planning, road rules or cycling infrastructure. In highly car-dependent places, cycling can feel unfamiliar, risky or at odds with car-related norms. Simply providing technology and infrastructure does not overcome this.

The Transformers Project, delivered in Western Sydney during 2025, tested a different approach.

Participants received subsidised access to an e-bike for eight weeks. But they also took part in guided rides around their local area and practical education sessions on bike-handling, storage and maintenance. In addition, they were given opportunities to connect with other riders online and face-to-face.

Participants covered over 3,000 kilometres during the trial. They used e-bikes for commuting, shopping, recreation, volunteering and social activities.

Through in-depth interviews, participants spoke in excited detail about increased independence, improved mental wellbeing, stronger community connections, and greater confidence in engaging with their local environment.

The endorphins from riding[ … ]and seeing all these different places that I had either driven past and never really looked at or noticed it was so amazing[ … ]it’s brought me so much joy.

And with each story came a key reflection: although access to the bike and safe cycling infrastructure laid the foundations for change, it was the program’s support that made participants feel confident to sustain it.

Participants consistently praised separated cycleways and safer cycling infrastructure. Many were surprised to discover just how much cycling infrastructure already existed in their local area.