What do consumers want from an e-bike?
Speed and savings drive interest, but concerns around cost and infrastructure
Respondents to our survey told us that the main appeal of an e-bike is the increased speed when compared to a traditional bicycle. Cost savings were also a significant driver for interest, with fuel, parking and public transport costs all seen as something e-bike ownership would help to negate.
In terms of perceived use cases , we see a high interest in recreational use of e-bikes, whilst local trips and commuting are also journeys that consumers would utilise an e-bike for.
There are significant differences between ages and geographies with younger city dwellers most likely to utilise an e-bike for commuting, whilst those over 55+ were the most likely to state they would not use an e-bike at all.
Whilst many consumers can see the viability of an e-bike, there are clear barriers to adoption. Interestingly, these mirror concerns we have seen around broader EV ownership with upfront cost the predominant barrier to e-bike ownership.
As with electric cars, we need to see actions from industry and government to make e-bikes a safe, viable option for all consumers in all geographies.
Affordability is increasingly important as prices of new e-bikes increase and consumers have less disposable income. Here's how affordable monthly plans can stimulate e-bike adoption:- Cost-Efficiency: Leasing allows consumers and businesses to access e-bikes without the upfront capital expenditure required for purchasing. This cost-efficiency makes e-bikes more accessible to a wider range of people and organisations.Lower Barrier to Entry: Leasing eliminates the financial barrier that often prevents people from trying e-bikes. This encourages individuals who might be hesitant to invest in a full purchase to experiment with e-bike commuting or recreational riding.- Access to the Latest Technology: Leasing provides an opportunity to access the latest e-bike technology without the need to continuously purchase new models. This encourages users to stay current with advancements in e-bike design and performance.
