Global E-Bikes

Report Overview

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This study examines the global e-bike market. An e-bike is defined as a conventional bicycle featuring pedals and an integrated electric motor, both of which can be used to propel the rider. Typically, e-bikes are powered by rechargeable lithium ion batteries.

While some e-bikes feature a small motor to assist the riders pedaling, others have much more powerful motors, allowing them to reach higher speeds, travel greater distances, and function more like mopeds and scooters than conventional bicycles.

Although new regulations have been adopted for e-bikes all over the world in recent years, e-bikes typically do not require a license or insurance and do not need to be registered.

Commuter-type e-bikes are the most commonly used product type globally, although specialty models – such as e-mountain bikes and e-cargo bikes – have grown in popularity.

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This study presents historical demand for 2009, 2014, and 2019, and forecasts growth for 2024 for 19 countries.

In 2020, e-bike sales are projected to decline to just over 23 million units because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, which already has disrupted e-bike supply chains; shuttered many retailers; and led to a massive drop in consumer spending.

Advances at the world level will be greatly restrained by subpar gains in China, which accounted for 76% of 2019 sales. China has more limited growth prospects going forward because of the large number of e-bikes already in use in the country and rising motor vehicle ownership rates. Additionally, internal combustion engine motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds remain popular.

Outside of China, e-bike demand is projected to grow 8.5% annually, more than double the average global rate. Multiple trends are expected to fuel growth, including:

• the increasing availability of e-bikes and growing consumer awareness
• rising personal incomes consumer spending in developing nations
• the growing popularity of cycling and mountain biking around the world
• the introduction of more capable and powerful e-bikes, helping to shrink the performance gap with scooters and mopeds
• the development of specialty models (e.g., cargo e-bikes, off-road) will stimulate consumer interest
• increased concerns about using public transportation in the wake of the pandemic and growing concerns about climate change and air pollution, which have led to government policies and subsidies aimed at expanding e-bike use