05/26/2026
From Idea to Impact: RMI’s E-Bike Calculator
In 2022, as gas prices surged and cities like Denver began rolling out e-bike rebate programs, RMI’s Bryn Grunwald noticed something missing. Policymakers were eager to expand access to e-bikes, but they lacked clear, credible data on what those programs could deliver — for both household savings and emissions reductions.
Without that data, it was difficult to design effective programs or make the case for investment. So, she started building.
RMI program staff spend most of their time on established projects supported by designated funding. But early-stage ideas like this require flexible support. With that backing, Bryn began developing the model in spare moments at work. Driven by her own excitement, she continued building it on her own time at home.
Her early analysis examined everyday travel — quick errands, school drop-offs, short commutes — and explored how e-bikes could realistically replace them.
RMI’s e-bike calculator quantifies the environmental and economic benefits of replacing short-distance vehicle trips with e-bike trips.
