Urban electromobility: the challenge of the electric bike as an access mode to social fundamental right

Abstract

The bicycle, perhaps invented in the 18th century, but better known as from the 19th century, is one of the most employed vehicles worldwide. It does not emit gases, occupies scanty space in urban environments and benefits the cyclist´s health. Technologies that reduce battery size provide the rise of electricity-based bicycles. A recent constitutional amendment insisted that the right of transport is a social right too and acknowledged its importance for the full fulfilment of other social rights. Consequently, directing public policies towards city transport increased the responsibility of government authorities to improve the transportation of citizens. Several developed countries have had relevant results through incentives on the use of electricity-based bicycles as a feasible alternative in urban transport with higher profits than establishment costs. Within the context of alternatives to current energy model and demands for quality transport, Brazil´s participation is still fledging, featuring an outdated model. Current paper analyzes the evolution of the right to transport as a social fundamental right and forwards the electricity-based bicycle as a sustainable mode of urban transportation with possible greater dissemination. Needless to say, certain distortions that delay the process, highly advantageous to Brazilian society, have to be amended.