New consumer research conducted by the #BikeIsBest campaign suggests that 17% of cyclists would consider buying an e-bike if the Government follows through on its plans to offer subsidies. We reported last week how prices could be cut by 30% through the extension of a grant scheme already on offer to buyers of other electric vehicles.

The survey of 4,243 people, conducted in September 2020, found that 31% of cyclists would consider purchasing an e-bike in future – with 3.8% thinking of buying one in the next six months and 10.2% considering buying one within 7-18 months.

The Bicycle Association has previously estimated that a £250 financial incentive could double e-bike sales and 17.1% of respondents said they would consider a purchase if there were a subsidy.

12% of those questioned said they already owned an electric bike.

Adam Tranter, Founder of #BikeIsBest and Bicycle Mayor for Coventry, commented: “E-bikes have been a long time coming but it’s finally looking like the British public are ready to embrace them. Interest is increasing with a wider awareness of their benefits through mainstream media, amongst other channels.

“In other countries such as the Netherlands and Germany, the potential is being realised, and now it’s our turn.”

Transport Minister Chris Heaton-Harris has said that the Government is, “developing a national programme of support to boost e-bike uptake to the levels seen in many other countries,” with full details to be announced in the spring.

Tranter said: “We know that high quality e-bikes come with what many will consider as a considerable cost, but like with electric cars, a subsidy is expected to stimulate the market.

“It’s great for the industry to see the potential here with 17% saying they would consider buying an E-bike if there was an e-bike subsidy available.”