UK lags behind Europe in eBike uptake, study finds
The UK has the second-lowest rate of electric bike adoption in Europe, with issues around legality and safety continuing to discourage wider use, according to new research from Paul’s Cycles.
The study, which analysed 30 European countries, found that the UK recorded just 2.1 eBike sales per 1,000 people, ahead only of Belarus (1.8) and behind Bulgaria (2.4), Serbia (3.6) and Spain (4.1). By contrast, Norway topped the list with 36.2 sales per 1,000 people, followed closely by Denmark (36.1), Slovenia (28.9), Croatia (25.1) and Germany (25).
“EBikes aren’t just about comfort. They open cycling up to more people – whether you’re unable to ride a pedal bicycle, commuting, new to cycling or trying to keep pace on group rides,” said Tom Thornley, Managing Director of Paul’s Cycles.
Several European countries have introduced measures to encourage eBike adoption. Denmark, for example, is currently running a trial that provides free eBikes to residents in rural areas to improve mobility. In France, eBike sales have tripled since financial aid was introduced in 2016, helping reduce car dependency and making cycling more accessible for those unable to use traditional bikes.
In the UK, however, similar initiatives remain limited and localised. Cycling UK has piloted one-month eBike loans and free lessons in areas such as Greater Manchester, Luton and Dunstable with local authority support. The Welsh government has also extended eBike loan schemes across towns, including Rhyl, Swansea and Newtown, with links to Aberystwyth.
Currently, the Cycle to Work scheme offers employees tax savings on bike purchases. Yet Paul’s Cycles noted that the scheme excludes groups such as lower earners and the self-employed. Because the scheme operates through salary sacrifice and wages cannot fall below the minimum threshold, many people are effectively priced out of accessing eBikes.
“Cost is still a big barrier and we need targeted financial support – whether through purchase grants and rebates, VAT reductions or a fairer, more inclusive Cycle to Work scheme,” Thornley added. “Government grants have made a real difference in other European countries and that kind of incentive could have a huge impact here too.”
Practical challenges also persist. Bicycle insurance provider VeloLife highlighted that eBikes are banned from properties managed by the Government Property Agency (GPA), with onsite charging also prohibited. As a result, eBikes must be left outside during the day, increasing the risk of theft or damage and heightening the need for insurance.
The UK government recently paved the way for cheaper eBikes to hit UK shores, when it cancelled anti-dumping levies on (non-folding) eBikes from China.
