The Rise of E-bikes in Costa Rica

In this article we take a look at how e-bikes in Costa Rica are transforming transportation in this sustainable Central American nation.

Costa Rica continues to expand its electric vehicle adoption, with e-bikes playing an increasingly important role in sustainable transportation. According to the Costa Rican Electric Mobility Association (ASOMOVE), the country had over 17,900 electric vehicles in circulation last year, including cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and other transport options.

The growth stems from several factors. Costa Rica’s commitment to renewable energy and reduced emissions has created a supportive environment for electric vehicles. This aligns with broader regional growth – the South and Central American e-bike market is projected to reach $944 million by 2030, growing at 15.1% annually. Transportation accounts for nearly 39% of greenhouse gas emissions in Latin America and the Caribbean, making the shift to electric options particularly relevant.

Costa Rica has a reasonably developed charging infrastructure, particularly in San José and around the Central Valley cities. This network supports both electric cars and e-bikes, making daily commuting and tourism more practical. Tax incentives have also helped make e-bikes more accessible to residents.

The terrain and climate of Costa Rica make e-bikes particularly practical. The mountainous landscape becomes more manageable with electric assistance, while the year-round warm weather allows for consistent use. Both residents and tourists use e-bikes for work, commuting, recreation, and exploring the country’s natural attractions.

Legal Framework and Safety Considerations

Costa Rican law classifies any two-wheeled vehicle with pedals as a bicycle, regardless of whether it has electric or gasoline assistance. E-bike riders don’t need a license, aren’t required to pay for circulation permits, and don’t need annual vehicle inspections.

This framework has created some safety concerns. The rise of “bicimotos” – vehicles with both bicycle pedals and a motor – has sparked debate about regulation. These vehicles were involved in 50% of traffic accident deaths in 2023, contributing to one of Costa Rica’s worst years for traffic fatalities.

The government faces a complex decision between safety and economic impact. About 10,000 people, particularly food delivery workers, rely on these vehicles for employment. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport estimates that approximately 40,000 people depend on this mode of transportation for their livelihood.

The Road Safety Council is currently evaluating new regulations, with changes expected soon. Meanwhile, mobility experts recommend focusing on import restrictions and clearer vehicle classifications to improve safety while maintaining transportation access.

Infrastructure and Support Networks

Costa Rica has built a good charging network to support its e-bike community. The infrastructure extends across both urban centers and tourist destinations, making daily use practical for both residents and visitors.

The National Decarbonization Plan includes tax benefits that make electric vehicles more affordable. This government support has encouraged businesses to adapt, with some offering e-bike rentals and tour services, while local shops provide maintenance and repairs.

Additional support comes from international partnerships. The Central American Bank for Economic Integration and the German KFW are funding sustainable mobility projects to further improve e-bike infrastructure across the country.

E-bike Usage in Costa Rica

E-bikes in Costa Rica serve the same four key functions as pretty much anywhere else: recreation, commuting, tourism, and delivery services. Recreational riders use e-bikes to get outside and explore natural areas, with electric assistance making longer trips accessible to riders of varying fitness levels. Daily commuters – often the same people as recreational riders rely on e-bikes to navigate traffic and cover distances efficiently. The pedal assistance helps overcome challenging terrain while avoiding parking hassles and reducing transportation costs.

The tourism industry offers guided e-bike tours and rentals, allowing visitors to explore more territory than traditional bikes would allow. Meanwhile, the delivery sector has adopted e-bikes extensively, with food delivery services creating employment opportunities through their accessibility and low operating costs.

A growing number of tour operators now offer rentals or guided e-bike excursions for tourists. Hotels, for example, like Rio Perdido and Hacienda Guachipelin in Guanacaste both offer great mountain biking opportunities for e-bikers.

The delivery sector could well be the biggest user of e-bikes. Services like Uber Eats, DiDi, and Pedidos Ya all rely on these vehicles. The low entry cost and minimal regulatory requirements have made e-bikes an accessible option for delivery workers, creating employment opportunities for thousands of Costa Ricans. For anyone thinking about investing in a new e-bike, Upway offers a great selection, with quality guaranteed. They don’t ship outside of the United States, though, so customers living in Costa Rica will need to handle that part of it themselves. It’s worth doing though, as buying a brand new e-bike outside of Costa Rica will still be less expensive.

Environmental Impact and Future Outlook

E-bikes play an important role in Costa Rica’s environmental goals. As transportation accounts for 39% of regional greenhouse gas emissions, e-bikes offer a practical way to reduce the environmental impact of daily travel. Their adoption aligns with Costa Rica’s broader sustainability initiatives, including renewable energy use and reduced carbon emissions.

The future of e-bikes in Costa Rica looks promising. International funding from organizations like the Central American Bank for Economic Integration supports continued infrastructure development. However, upcoming regulatory changes may affect how e-bikes, particularly “bicimotos,” operate on Costa Rican roads. These changes aim to balance safety concerns with maintaining accessibility for thousands of users who rely on e-bikes for work and transportation.