The surge in demand for e-bikes on a global scale is attributed to several factors, with environmental consciousness and escalating fuel prices playing pivotal roles.
Customers increasingly view e-bikes as an eco-friendly alternative for their daily commutes. To further support this trend, government bodies across various cities worldwide have initiated projects to construct dedicated bicycle highway lanes, specifically catering to e-bikes.
Class I e-bikes are anticipated to spearhead this growth, constituting the largest segment throughout the forecast period.
The e-bikes, equipped with a motor assist of up to 250 watts and a speed limit ranging between 20-25 mph (32-40 km/h), align well with prevalent regulations across many countries.
Notably, they offer a balanced blend of convenience and exercise, making them an attractive option for urban commuting and hilly terrain exploration. Popular models such as the Trek Verve+2, Rad PowerBikes RadCity 5 Plus, and Specialised Como SL 4.0 exemplify this trend.
The North American market is witnessing a rapid expansion in the Class I e-bike segment, fueled by various incentives and supportive policies.
The proposed 30% tax credit for new electric bicycle purchases in the United States, passed by the House of Representatives in February 2022, is a notable example.
Consequently, the North American Electric Bike Association reported a remarkable 40% increase in e-bike sales in 2022, predominantly driven by Class I models.
Another noteworthy trend highlighted in the report is the projected rapid growth of e-bikes with battery capacities exceeding 650W.
The high-capacity batteries cater to riders seeking enhanced power and extended range, particularly suitable for traversing challenging terrain and accommodating heavy loads.
Hence, >650W battery capacity is expected to be the fastest-growing battery capacity segment during the forecast period.
Some bikes with >650W battery capacity are Canyon (Germany) Strive: ON CFR Underdog is equipped with Bosch Performance Line CX, which has a 750Wh capacity, Canyon (Germany) Grand Canyon: ON 8 is equipped with Bosch Performance Line CX, which has a 750Wh capacity.
E-MTBs and E-Cargo bikes predominantly utilize such batteries, with advancements in lithium-ion technology facilitating their development without compromising weight.
Regionally, Asia-Oceania emerges as the largest market for e-bikes, with China serving as the primary contributor to both regional and global sales.
The City/Urban segment dominates this region’s market, with Cargo e-bikes poised for exponential growth. E-Cargo bikes, in particular, are gaining traction due to their practicality and efficiency in congested urban environments.
Models like the Specialised Globe Haul LT, Urban Arrow Family Electric Cargo Bike, and Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5 exemplify the growing preference for these eco-friendly transportation solutions.
This anticipated surge, marked by a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.6%, reflects the rising popularity and adoption of e-bikes worldwide.
Factors contributing to the growth include increasing environmental awareness, advancements in e-bike technology, and supportive government policies.