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We estimate the maximum capability to reduce CO 2 by substituting private car travel for e-bike. We use spatial microsimulation (population-synthesis) to simulate the adult population within every small area in England, taking account of area type and geodemographic circumstances of the population. By estimating for individuals the distance they are capable of travelling by e-bike and the extent to which they are capable of replacing private car travel, we find the upper limit on the capability to reduce CO 2 by substituting car travel for e-bike use is 24.4 MTCO 2 p.a. (per annum) in England. CO 2 saving capability per person and per small area are highest (over 750 kg CO 2 per person p.a.) for residents of rural areas and the rural urban fringe. e-bikes offer major conurbations more modest CO 2 saving capability per person. We identify areas which are vulnerable to car related economic stress and also have high capability to replace car km with e-bikes, which if supported appropriately could contribute to equitable carbon reduction. Though capable of a very significant contribution to transport carbon reduction, other changes in technology and reduction in demand would also be necessary to reach zero emissions. Our results are directly relevant to policy actors internationally who require evidence on place-based decarbonisation capability, particularly where car dependence is high. The results highlight how context is important in any attempt to design policy for equitable carbon reduction both to influence discussion on what is possible, as well as practical identification of areas for targeted intervention. Digital indicators covering all zones in a country's geography such as this are also useful because of the rapid digitalisation of policy making. We provide code so that others can produce similar analyses in other countries (https://github.com/DrIanPhilips/e-bikeCarbonReductionCapability). • e-bikes have the capability to reduce car CO 2 emissions by 24.4 million tonnes p.a. in England). • e-bike carbon reduction capability is greatest in rural areas. • 3400 census zones have high capability to replace car travel with e-bikes and economic vulnerability to car dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E -bike use in rural and tourist areas is under-researched and has potential to replace car journeys reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other impacts of car use. We studied the rural use of e-bikes in a tourist area (the Lake District National Park, UK) through Covid-19. Mixed methods were used; two waves (2020 & 2021) of a semi-panel quantitative survey; including open responses; supplemented by self-study field trips. Key findings include high levels of e-biking in a wet and hilly area by generally older individuals, including a high proportion of female respondents. Usage was higher in 2020, partly due to lower traffic levels during Covid restrictions, but relatively high usage was maintained in 2021. Users are substituting more car journeys than active travel and public transport trips, and amongst women, more errands than commutes. We found support for restraint of car use in the study area, along with support for secure e-bike parking, e-bike share schemes, and integration with public transport. The implications for planners and policymakers are that policies supporting rural e-biking may be well received if they form part of greener transport plans including e-bike facilities, integration with public transport and car restraint. Promotion of e-bike use needs to shift from an urban commuting focus, to also consider rural areas errands and leisure trips. National parks and other rural tourist areas may confidently assume that hills and weather do not always act as barriers. • E -bikes are being used to reduce car travel in a touristic, rural wet and hilly area and have decarbonisation potential. • There is support for car restraint in a UK National Park and a desire for secure e-bike storage. • E -bikes are being used for errands as well as commuting in a rural National Park. • Relatively high levels of use and support for e-bikes continue after easing of Covid restrictions in 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]