Friday, 29 March 2024
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Public electric bike knowledge growing, but 91% of Brits yet to try

The vast majority of Brits (91%) are yet to try and electric bike, yet most could explain the advantages regardless, a new paper from the Department of Transport has revealed.

75% of people have some knowledge of what an electric bike offers and in particular those living in rural areas (40%) had better knowledge of their capabilities than those living in an urban setting (34%). Ethic minorities were found to have a lower chance to have come across the e-Bike at 16%, versus 6% among white respondents.

Knowledge has not yet translated to power(ed cycling), according to the study, which predictably found that it is those in higher income households who have thus far reported riding an electric bike. Even in those households, use was thus far infrequent at around 5% using the LEVs twice a year or less. Those living in higher income households more able to think of advantages than households that had lower earnings (84% vs 76%, respectively).

The bicycle industry should not be disheartened by this low usage, however; the UK has been found to trail European trends before now and it is primarily cost of entry that is stunting uptake. 59% of people believe the price is too high for them to consider using electric bikes more.

It is therefore unsurprising that CyclingIndustry.News’ annual market research has 32% of bike shops calling for direct subsidy for electric bikes.

There was a significant recognition among those with mobility struggles that an electric bike could be a useful transport tool (58%), while 51% cited the environmental impact of driving less and likely cycling more; something which has been demonstrated to happen in trials. The largest proportion of respondents (67%) warmed to the idea of using an electric bike simply on the idea of less physical exertion. Older folk appreciated this element more at 77% for those aged 55 to 64.

As for the rural enthusiasm, people outside of urban areas were more likely to choose accessibility for those with mobility issues than those in built up areas (65% compared to 57%). Further to this, the fitness benefits were well regarded at 52% compared to 45% in towns and cities.

A lower proportion of people (56%) could identify drawbacks of using the electric bike for transport than those who could name perks (80%).

The aforementioned price concern aside, the next complaint related to theft risk, which is not necessarily a disadvantage of ownership per se, more that the parking infrastructure is not adequate to inspire confidence. Battery anxiety affected just 39% and should in theory decline over time as product improves with innovation.

The younger generation, for whom property ownership presents a greater challenge, stated that storage could be a problem (20%). They also had a greater concern about the bike’s weight at 30% versus 19% for the oldest group.

Catch further findings in the downloadable report, here.