Young people are leading the UK’s charge in electric bike popularity, according to new research by the E-Bike Positive campaign.
Released to coincide with the UK’s Bike Week (9-15 June), the research suggests a shift in Gen Z and Millennials’ approach to travel.
E-Bike Positive says more young adults aged 25-34 are planning to travel by ebike over cars or public transport, with nearly half saying they’re more likely to buy an ebike than they were a year ago.
Jonathan Harrison, director of the Association of Cycle Traders, says: “This surge in ebike enthusiasm among young adults shows the future of transport is already here – and it's healthier, more sustainable, and more accessible than ever.”
There has also been a shift in the broader UK population, with 20.47 per cent more likely to buy an ebike, compared to the 49.34 per cent of young people.
E-Bike Positive, which launched last August, and includes Cycling UK, Bosch and The Bicycle Association, says more than half of the 2,000 people surveyed say they would likely buy non-manufacturer approved ebike components.
This includes items such as ebike batteries, chargers and conversion kits from online marketplaces.
There have been repeated warnings that these items can pose safety risks, particularly fires.
The UK government recently announced an inquiry into dangerous ebike conversion kits.
The research also suggests that among 25-34-year-olds, only 63 per cent would be able to determine if an ebike was road-legal.
Duncan Dollimore, head of campaigns at Cycling UK, said ebikes have made a difference to people’s lives, helping them save money and stay healthy.
“That’s why we need to do all that we can to explain clearly the difference between safe, road-legal ebikes and potentially unsafe aftermarket alternatives. With 1 in 4 people unable to make the distinction between what’s safe and what isn’t when it comes to ebikes, we need to do more to increase awareness so people can make informed decisions when it comes to travel choices,” added Dollimore.
