October 21, 2021 - 23(Eindhoven, the Netherlands) Shimano has released their third annual State of the Nation Report that shows 26% of Europeans are likely to buy or use an e-bike, with key reasons being to avoid public transport (39%) or as an alternative to motor vehicles (38%).
Yet barriers include lack of safe cycling infrastructure to feel secure riding (24%) and cost (54%) which points to the benefit of incentives as motivation.
“E-bike interest continues to grow, with behaviour changes, prompted by COVID-19 and environmental concerns encouraging more people to consider buying or hiring an e-bike in the next 12 months. Younger people are a particular area for e-bike growth but whilst cost is a barrier across all age groups, it is highest amongst those under 44 in most countries. Potentially it is those under 35 who would benefit most from hire schemes and subsidies,” according to the report.
City e-bikes are the preferred choice for urban mobility, with more women choosing city bikes than men, and mainly younger age-groups who are considering an e-cargo bike although cost may be a factor.
The report also shows that bricks and mortar bike shops provide an important service with many European countries allowing bike shops to open during lockdowns as essential businesses. Over a quarter (26%) of bike owners say they will visit a bike shop during the next 12-months.
Shimano polled over 14,000 people in 12 European countries, specifically Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
“On an individual basis our research shows that Europeans are looking for healthier, safer alternatives to public transport. The pandemic has been a strong ‘push’ factor toward greater bike use,” says Ben Hillsdon, head of PR and Communications at Shimano Europe.
Read the full report here.
