All carbon footprints

What’s the carbon footprint of a road bike?

The average road bike emits
74.50-140.50 kg CO₂e

Available to measure with Arbor’s platform
The carbon footprint of a road bike typically ranges from 74.5 to 140.5 kg CO₂e, reflecting the environmental impact of its production, materials, and transportation. Understanding these emissions helps brands and consumers make more sustainable choices to reduce the overall environmental impact of cycling products.
Why do product carbon footprints (PCFs) matter?
Carbon Equivalent Calculator

What is a road bike's carbon footprint equivalent to?

Using Arbor’s Carbon Equivalent Calculator, let’s see what the average a road bike’s carbon emissions are equivalent to, assuming an average of 107.50 kg CO2e.

How can you reduce a road bike's carbon footprint?

Here are 3 ways you can lower the carbon or decarbonize your a road bike’s carbon footprint.

Sustainable Materials

Switch to renewable or recycled raw materials for production.

Lightweight Components

Opt for locally manufactured bikes to cut transportation emissions.

Material Efficiency

Choose local suppliers to reduce transportation-related emissions.

Arbor's platform

Want to measure the carbon footprint of your road bike?

We make product-level carbon accounting simple, reliable, and tailored to bicycle.

Road Bike
Manage
Road Bike
Carbon footprint
107.50 kg CO₂e
Versions & Prototypes
Versions
Carbon footprint
Road Bike
Active
107.50 kg CO₂e
Road Bike 2024
107.50 kg CO₂e
Road Bike 2023
107.50 kg CO₂e
Prototypes
Carbon footprint
Road Bike - 20% Recycled
107.50 kg CO₂e

FAQs

What is the carbon footprint of a road bike?

A typical road bike has a carbon footprint of about 74.5 to 140.5 kg CO2e. This includes manufacturing and transportation emissions. Using the average, around 107.5 kg CO2e, it remains a eco-friendly transportation choice compared to cars.

How much CO₂ does a road bike emit?

A road bike's carbon footprint is generally low, around 10-20 kg CO2e depending on manufacturing and materials. Most emissions come from production, not riding. Over its lifetime, a bike typically emits about 107.50 kg CO2e, making it an eco-friendly choice compared to cars.

What are the main sources of emissions from a road bike?

The main sources of emissions from a road bike include manufacturing, especially the production of carbon fiber or aluminum frames, and transportation of components. Maintenance and end-of-life disposal also contribute. Typically, a road bike's carbon footprint ranges from 74.5 to 140.5 kg CO2e, with an average around 107.5 kg CO2e.

How do I calculate the carbon footprint of a road bike?

Arbor is the best way to calculate the carbon footprint of a road bike, providing a comprehensive assessment. Alternatively, you can use emission factors and follow Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) standards to estimate emissions. Typically, a bike's footprint ranges from 74.50 to 140.50 kg CO2e, with an average of around 107.50 kg CO2e.

Is a road bike sustainable?

A road bike can be quite sustainable, especially when considering its long lifespan and efficiency. Producing a typical bike emits around 107.50 kg CO2e, but since it encourages eco-friendly transportation, its overall environmental impact is relatively low compared to motorized vehicles. Choosing a well-made bike helps reduce your carbon footprint significantly.

How can companies reduce the carbon footprint of a road bike?

Companies can reduce a road bike’s carbon footprint by sourcing sustainable materials and optimizing manufacturing processes, which can cut emissions to around 74.5-140.5 kg CO2e. Additionally, designing bikes for longevity and recyclability helps lower overall environmental impact, making them more eco-friendly over their lifespan.

Are road bikes bad for the environment?

Road bikes generally have a lower environmental impact compared to many motorized transport options. Their carbon footprint ranges from 74.50 to 140.50 kg CO2e, with an average of about 107.50 kg CO2e. This makes them a more eco-friendly choice for reducing your overall carbon footprint.

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