Deloitte's annual technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) predictions have said that they expect 130 million e-bikes to be sold between 2020 and 2023. They also noted the growth expected compared to other electric vehicles, saying "the number of e-bikes on the roads will easily outpace other e-vehicles by the end of next year.” 

E-bike use predicted to grow by almost 40,000% by 2050 

Deloitte's TMT department say technological innovations including the vast improvement in lithium ion battery technology and lower prices have helped to increase the popularity of e-bikes, and they expect 2020 to be the year they really take off. Paul Lee, global head of technology, media and telecommunications research at Deloitte, said: “The first patent for electrifying a bike was filed in the nineteenth century, however 2020 will be the year that e-bikes pick up pace. The number of e-bikes on the roads will easily outpace other e-vehicles by the end of next year.”  

That outpacing is predicted to be huge, with Deloitte claiming that they expect 130 million e-bikes to be sold globally in the next three years... that's six times more than the number of other electric vehicles they predict to be sold in the next decade. 

The growth in e-bike popularity will in turn enable a greater proportion of people to cycle to work, say Deloitte, and they predict 1% more people will be commuting by bike by 2023. Lee continued: “Over the next 12-months, cycling should shift from being a competitive hobby enjoyed by active individuals, to a simple way for a wide range of people to get from place to place. This will play a significant role in easing congestion, while improving air quality and public health."

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