UK lags behind in e-bike survey, with just 7% saying they would consider using one

by Jack Sexty Jul 14 2020

8 comments

UK lags behind in e-bike survey, with just 7% saying they would consider using one — e-bike riding in city.PNG, by Shimano

While the UK has some catching up to do, 1 in 4 Europeans said they either own an e-bike or are thinking about buying one in the survey of 13,000 people

As e-bike adoption continues to grow, a recent study by Shimano has highlighted that it shows no sign of abating in Europe with 24% saying they already own an e-bike, or are "likely to buy or use" one this year; however it's not looking so good for the UK, with just 7% saying they would like to try an e-bike in the future.

All about e-bikes

The Shimano STEPS E-bike Index 2020 aims to "compare attitudes towards e-bikes across major European countries and explore what is stopping widespread adoption", and analyse how and why people are switching to e-bikes for commuting, leisure and basic transportation. The report polled 13,000 people from 11 countries across Europe, finding that a quarter own or want to own an e-bike. 11% of people on the 'potentials' list also don't currently own a standard bike, highlighting how e-bikes have become a potential option for people who don't even cycle at all.

While the 7% figure is disappointing for the UK as a whole, the report shows that there are promising signs amongst the younger generation; Brits in the 18-24 age group were the most likely to say they would consider buying or riding an e-bike. Across all nationalities, this age group was also most likely to cite environmental reasons, with 26% of 18-24's saying this was a reason they're likely to start e-biking.

Another less promising stat was the 19% that though their fitness wouldn't improve from riding an e-bike despite evidence to the contrary; however 30% said they would mainly use an e-bike to improve physical health, and 32% said they would buy one to "conquer longer distances or steeper climbs."

Jeroen Van Vulpen of Shimano commented: “Making that leap from a regular bicycle, or from other private or public transport methods towards an e-bike is a decision that can be affected by many different factors. Not least the way in which we can now travel across towns and cities throughout Europe. From buses to trains and ferries, public transport has been affected and personal space is in high demand, bringing increasing interest to the e-bike market. This report goes some way to shedding light on those factors. It will undoubtedly contribute to our own learning and we sincerely hope everyone interested in e-bikes can learn from it too.”

You can download the full Shimano STEPS report here.

Author block

Jack Sexty

Jack is the news editor here at eBikeTips, and also edits the live blog and writes tech news over on our sister site road.cc. Jack first became fascinated with e-bikes when an elderly gentleman breezed past him without a care in the world up a big old hill in North Wales - thus realising e-bikes are the real deal! Although he genuinely enjoys time trials and lung-busting climbs without assistance, Jack likes nothing more than cruising round town on an e-bike during his days off.

8 comments

rustygecko 4 years 5 months ago

@ Risotto It isn't true that you get less excersise on an ebike - you just go further and faster for the same effort. It also allows older people to go out more.

There is no evidence that ebike's break more often - as the components are all the same except a relatively simple engine there's no reason for that to be so.

Statistics DO NOT show higher death and accident rates - surprisingly the evidence is that there are less fatalities.

Of course the battery will only last a few years (lol). Is t that obvious? It will however last much longer than a cell phone battery

As for your point about pollution - think about it a bit deeper. Most Ebikes are replacing car journeys.

risoto 4 years 5 months ago

Everyone seems to praise e-bikes. But, you get less exercise/fitness, they are VERY expensive, the batteries are not very environmentally friendly to produce and, it seems, they break quite often which requires expensive repairs. They are dangerous to ride too. Statistics show a much higher accident and death rates compared to normal bikes. Plus, you have yet another device to charge regularly. Plus, for the cost of a replacement battery, they will only last a few years like the one in your smartphone, you could buy an excellent proper bike. It's 500 pound or more as far as i know.

Sriracha 4 years 5 months ago

Ah, found it:

Sriracha 4 years 5 months ago

My guess is that "they're for cheats" objection would only deter people who already cycle, with some element of competitiveness (even if only against themselves). It would be interesting to know from the survey what reasons people gave either way.

jollygoodvelo 4 years 5 months ago

Definitely suggests that there are "other reasons not to cycle", but also that the portrayal and general opinion of ebikes is that they're for cheats, or basically motorbikes (i.e. even more dangerous than pushbikes).

I wonder what the stat would be for 'people who've actually ridden an ebike'? Everyone I know who's tried one thought it was awesome.

eburtthebike 4 years 5 months ago

If the basic problems of cycling haven't changed, and they are so huge that only the most dedicated ride a bicycle, why would anyone think an ebike was going to be attractive? Until cycling is made safe on our roads, take up is going to be poor.

Sriracha 4 years 5 months ago

Which tells us that in the UK there are other reasons people don't cycle, beyond the physical effort required.