ELECTRIC BIKE PERCEPTION IMPROVING THROUGH EUROPE
Electric bikes were once a rare sight on the streets and cycleways of Europe and spotting one in the UK was like a white whale sighting. However they are now becoming rapidly more common as the attitude towards electric bike and the awareness of them has drastically shifted. 17% of people in Europe say they are more likely to use or buy an e-bike this year in comparison with the last 12 months. The shift in attitude is extremely likely to be due to the Coronavirus.
Electric bikes are being viewed by many European as a way to modify their daily lives to cope with the Corona pandemic. Shimano released a report displaying that 24% of Europeans already own an electric bike or are likely to use or buy an e-bike. What is even more interesting is that 11% of the potential users say they would never use a regular bike.
The Shimano Steps E-bike Index 2020 has the aim of comparing the attitudes towards e-bikes across major European countries. Currently, the UK has the smallest amount, just 7%, of people saying they will try an electric bike. This could be due to the stigmatisation of e-bikes, the lack of legislation and infrastructure or due to the absence of their promotion. While in Italy almost 30% said they would use or by an e-bike this year. However there are promising signs amongst the younger age group of 18-24 who claimed they are more likely to use or buy an electric bike more than any other age group tested.
However a concern shared throughout all age groups is that common perception that using an electric bike wouldn't improve their fitness level, with 19% stating this reason for putting them off. Contrary to this a recent study by the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity showed “evidence that e-cycling can improve cardiorespiratory fitness. E-cycling can contribute to meeting physical activity recommendations and increasing physical fitness. As such, e-bikes offer a potential alternative to conventional cycling.” Electric bikes encourage those who are uncertain to get back on the bike as that thrill of speed gets the endorphins going and the knowledge and comfort of the electric assistance reduces all anxiety of journey lengths.
Another aspect that many forget about electric bikes is the fact you can simply turn off the electrical assistance. Sure, you have to deal with the added battery weight and motor but on lighter bikes it is not too significant to dissuade you. Even for those who still have preconceptions about electric bikes, what’s better; cycling for 25 miles or cycling for 50?
In the Netherlands an enormous 78% of the total population ride a bike at least once a month. Its interesting to note how drastically the reasons for switching between countries vary with the Netherlands having a very practical outlook with (39%) saying the reason they want to ride an e-bike this year is because it looks like less effort.
Taking a deeper look into why Europe has embraced the shift toward electric bikes, the perceived benefits are almost globally acknowledged. The majority, 31%, of those who were likely to use or already owned an e bike said they would primarily use an e-bike for family activities or leisure purpose, showing that an electric bike isn't only for travelling or commuting. A third (32%) have stated they would buy or use an e-bike this year to tackle stepper climbs or cycle longer distances, and many would use an electric bike to ameliorate their physical (30%) and mental (22%) health.
Beyond the physical elements, a many adults stated that environment reasons were the reason they are considering, or have made, the switch to an electric bike (18%). Interesting, it is young adults (18-24) who predominately quoted this reason, with over a quarter (24%) suggesting environmental reasons for the switch.
However, it is important to question if this trend will continue past the current health crisis. Will the UK and Europe continue to look for more active and sustainable ways of travelling? And will the bike industry be able to cope? The demand worldwide for bicycles has become so large that lead-times have increased with many retailers and companies completely running out of electric bikes.
URBAN ELECTRO aims to always keep finding the best electric bikes available on the market for the best prices. We believe electric bikes shouldn't only be a luxury but should be available to everyone to experience their benefit.
For more information on the Shimano Steps E-bike Index 2020, visit here. Total sample size was 13,412 adults in the Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, France, Sweden, Germany, UK, Switzerland, Norway, Spain and Poland.