NEARLY HALF OF POTENTIAL E-BIKE USERS SAY THEY WOULD USE AN E-BIKE AN ALTERNATIVE TO CARS

A study of over 14,000 people across 12 European countries for Shimano has shown that 27% of Europeans have said they are more likely to use or buy an E-Bike now than they were before the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Of that figure, nearly half (46%) have said they would use one as an alternative to a car, and 38% said a reason to use one would be to lessen their environmental impact. For those under 35, a third (34%) said that using an e-bike is more time-efficient.

Over long distances, cars are obviously faster than bikes, but over short journeys in towns and cities, especially during peak commuter times, bikes are often speedier and more efficient. And it’s not just time. Combining the pace of the journey with some fresh air, and the bike’s motor doing the work so you don’t get sweaty, e-bikes are an attractive option, and it looks like the public are getting the message.

Looking at individual countries, over half of those in Italy (55%) would consider using an E-Bike more to avoid public transport, whereas in Spain, 50% would use one more now, to get their daily exercise.

However, for the 66% of Europeans who are less likely to buy or use an E-Bike now, 24% say it’s a lack of safe cycling infrastructure in their towns and cities that is a reason against.

Despite there being a ‘bike boom’ across Europe since the start of lockdowns, it’s clear that only when local authorities and national governments take steps, such as marked cycleways or clearly signed safe cycling routes, the public at large are more inclined to saddle up.

The findings are taken from the Shimano State of the Nation report 2021. This report can be found on the Shimano website here.

For more information on how to choose an E-Bike, including all the E-Bike brands and tips on riding, head to https://www.shimano-steps.com/.

Notes To Editors

1. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 14419 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 19th - 29th July 2021.  The survey was carried out online. Fieldwork was undertaken in Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.

2. This is the third annual Shimano State of The Nation report, which aims to digest changing attitudes and understandings of E-Bikes across Europe.