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Do you like the good or the bad news first?
Well, it’s bad news and then some excellent news..
Despite a 2020 boom in bicycle and eBike sales, sales are now down a quarter compared to pre-pandemic levels.
According to The Bicycle Association, the cost of living crisis and a dip in bicycle demand cause concern. In addition, price increases and a weakening pound have further exacerbated the situation.
Despite a significant rise in cycling since the pandemic – 33% in the year to 30 July, according to DfT figures – the number of new bikes sold has not increased.
Several industry experts say infrastructure investment, secure cycle parking, e-bike subsidies and charging networks are needed to boost cycling uptake.
According to the Bicycle Association’s latest market report, cycle sales were down more than a quarter on pre-Covid levels between January and June. Hybrids and children’s bikes, two mainstream categories, are the most affected, while road and gravel bikes, considered enthusiast categories, are growing. It is generally believed that cycle sales are linked to cycling levels.
Experts say things are challenging right now and note that sales have been below pre-Covid levels since May 2021, and if you exclude the 2020 boom, sales are worse than they were before Covid.
Regarding the size and value of the cycling market and how people travel for leisure and everyday cycling trips, there is a sense that the UK is being left behind.
Cycling charities note that high fuel prices have encouraged more to take up cycling, but infrastructure needs to improve to encourage more of us to hop on our bikes.
In fact, even e-bike growth, which had been skyrocketing and driving the market, has stalled a little. However, there is no doubt that e-bikes have the potential to bring more people to cycling.
The electric bike industry has seen some notable casualties, with Pure Electric closing the bulk of their 17 stores and Rutland Cycling being rescued from insolvency in a supplier buyout by Specialized.
The UK registered nearly 190,000 electric cars in 2021, approximately 15,000 more than e-cycles, yet there are more than 30,000 charging points for electric cars and only 16 for electric cycles.
The UK’s e-bike sales represent 9% of all bike purchases and are the most natural replacement for cars. In Europe, electric bikes account for 23% of sales. The UK sells 165,000 e-bikes annually compared with Germany’s 2 million despite similar market sizes.
One of the main differences between the UK and Europe is a massive lack of infrastructure in terms of bicycle parking. Obviously, bike lanes are being prioritised, which is great, but you have to have a safe place to lock your bike at the journey’s end.
The good news
Electric Bike Sales are proud to say, “We were the first eBike-only retailer in the UK” and we are going as strong as ever!!!
We are doing all we can to help the UK transition from vehicles to cycles, and as part of this, we have a massive sale to help people cope in the face of price rises.
The eBike industry is coming from behind (as we often do). However, the eBike market is set to rocket as more people realise it’s the best way to save money on expensive fuel and do their bit for the climate and local air quality.
The fact that the UK is very similar to the German market for cycle sales and the difference demonstrates why eBikes are very soon in for a massive surge in popularity. Even the French have taken to them.
More good news
By 2030, the government wants half of all short trips to be walked or cycled in England. However, more than 60% of one-to-two-mile trips were driven in 2019.
According to a DfT spokesperson, electric bikes are vital to increasing active travel. So the government is investing in many measures to support more people using eBikes and reduce emissions. As part of this, £42m has been committed to improving cycle storage and cycle routes to railway stations. In addition, a further £8m has been pledged for an e-bike pilot program to boost uptake, and tax benefits have been implemented for e-bike purchases through the Cycle to Work Scheme. So watch this space!
