Electric bike sales are growing 16 times faster than cycling in general

Sales of e-bikes had grown at an impressive rate in the United States even before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. But since the start of the pandemic, sales of electric bikes have exploded. Today, the latest figures show that e-bike sales aren’t slowing anytime soon.

The latest figures were compiled by NPD and show an e-bike growth rate of 240% in the 12 months leading up to July 2021.

Interestingly, however, general cycling equipment has only grown at a rate of 15%, showing that e-bikes are leading the overall growth in the cycling industry.

And what makes it all the more impressive is that these numbers show growth on top of the tremendous increase in sales we saw at the start of the pandemic almost two years ago.

While some were concerned that we would see an e-bike bubble of new riders rushing to buy e-bikes after the first lockdowns were lifted in early 2020, we have seen sustained and unprecedented growth in the e-bike industry.

While the pandemic has reversed several years of falling sales of non-electric bikes and ultimately sent the category back to the growth column, electric bikes have seen their existing growth double, triple and even quadruple in many cases.

The increased ease of electric bicycles has convinced many drivers and public transport users to finally switch to two-wheelers by removing the biggest obstacle: the great perceived exertion of the bicycle.

While studies have shown that e-bikes can still offer almost as much exercise as pedal bikes (and sometimes even more, believe it or not), the added benefit of pedal assist means cyclists don’t show up for work soaked in sweat like typical pedal cyclists.

The accelerator-compatible e-bikes available in North America have taken this advantage even further, providing the ability to travel by bike at speeds of up to 20 mph (32 km / h) with minimal or no pedaling. . And since electric throttle bikes also feature pedal assist, riders can always rely more on pedal power to get as much exercise as they want. These benefits are in addition to the huge commuting time savings offered by e-bikes in urban areas, where cycle lanes offer quick shortcuts after traffic jams.

Despite the pandemic that has pushed e-bike sales into high gear, prices have remained relatively favorable to consumers.

When e-bikes started selling like hot cakes in early 2020, nearly every e-bike supplier was left with empty shelves and warehouses.

Instead of raising prices, companies have largely kept e-bike prices stable in the United States. Many brands have seen their delivery times extended, but there has been almost no case of price hikes.

As the pandemic progressed, however, increased price pressures including shortages of shipping containers, skyrocketing ocean freight prices, rising raw material costs, and a deterioration in the US exchange rate. RMB has led many retailers to slowly increase their prices.

While some of the biggest price influencers were showing signs of stabilizing, many retailers have already started slashing their e-bike prices to pre-pandemic levels.

These price changes come at a time when many brands are introducing new models to the market.

Rad Power Bikes unveiled an exciting new electric bike under $ 1,000 at the start of the pandemic that was targeting the urban commuter market. It quickly became a key demographic that grew sharply as commuters began to seek a socially distant alternative to crowded public transportation.

Many other companies such as VanMoof, GoCycle and Cowboy have also targeted this key demographic of commuters with more premium models designed to move commuters around cities quickly and safely while offering more sophisticated electronics and features. .

At the same time, many other recreational electric bikes have been introduced in recent months, such as the Aventon Adventure fat tire electric bike and the new Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus, as well as the new style electric bike. moped. -bikes like the updated Super73-ZX.

With a number of exciting new e-bikes on the market and an audience that has not shown any slowing in demand for e-bikes, continued growth in the segment is almost certain for the foreseeable future.

Have you considered getting on an electric bike soon for your entertainment or as an alternative to car rides? Or have you ever seen the light? Let us know in the comment section below!

Subscribe to Electrek on YouTube for exclusive videos and subscribe to the podcast.