This guest editor article was written by Berkay Hasdemir, Sales Manager at Roxform and Micro Mobility Consultant at Bersey Consulting.
The electric mobility revolution is in full swing. Governments worldwide are offering generous incentives for electric vehicles (EVs), driving unprecedented changes in the market. The UK has been at the forefront of this shift. But we must ask ourselves: is it right to equate electric mobility solely with electric cars? Or, to put it differently: are electric cars truly the ecological transport solution of the future?
I don’t think so. When I think of electric vehicles, electric bikes immediately come to mind. Why? In the UK, the average daily journey is just seven miles. Opting for an electric bike over an electric car for such a distance could significantly reduce personal costs and our carbon footprint. It also avoids the hidden costs of vehicle wear and tear, parking fees, and the toll a sedentary lifestyle takes on our physical and mental health. So, what can an electric bike not offer that an electric car does? Most answers point to weather conditions or bike theft. However, I believe the real reason lies in the ebike market’s inability to effectively communicate its benefits to consumers and policymakers.
The true benefits of ebikes
Let’s revisit the advantages of ebikes:
- Environmental Impact: Ebikes generate ten times less carbon emissions during production and use compared to electric cars.
- Economic Advantages: The average UK car owner spends approximately £3,000 annually on parking, maintenance, and fuel. Ebikes, on the other hand, cost as little as £200 a year to maintain.
- Health Benefits: Cycling just 7 miles a day reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 35% and alleviates the burden on the NHS.
The UK ebike market: Challenges and Opportunities
The UK e-bike market has faced significant challenges, particularly in the post-COVID era. Independent bike shops are struggling with reduced customer numbers and high product prices, pushing many towards closure. Global brands have withdrawn from the market, citing slower-than-expected growth. These developments highlight the lack of sufficient government support for e-bikes and their underestimated role in sustainable mobility.
However, these challenges are not insurmountable. Expanding incentives for e-bikes, such as broadening the Cycle to Work Scheme, could dramatically boost the market. Redirecting even a fraction of the benefits offered to electric cars towards e-bikes would make this alternative transport option far more appealing to the public.
The Future of E-Bikes
Recently, new electric bike brands like Roxform have entered the market, recognising its potential. Roxform offers high-quality, road-legal bikes at accessible price points, catering to diverse needs. Certified and regulated e-bikes tailored to daily commutes provide a glimpse of the opportunities the market holds for growth.
The UK remains committed to reducing its carbon footprint and investing in a sustainable future. It is vital to promote e-bikes not just as a hobby but as a practical, everyday commuting solution. By raising awareness about the safety, convenience, and health benefits of certified electric bikes, we can shift public perception and unlock the full potential of this market.
