The UK is lagging behind almost every other European country in the adoption of electric bikes, according to new data from bicycle retailer Paul’s Cycles.
Having compared e-bike sales across 30 European countries, the UK came out second-worst with just 2.1 e-bikes being sold per 1,000 people. Only Belarus appear less interested in the technology.
The UK’s lack of e-bike adoption comes despite a relatively strong economy, which bucks the trend seen elsewhere in Europe where higher GDP generally correlates with higher sales.
Norway and Denmark top the rankings, with over 36 e-bikes sold per 1,000 inhabitants and the Danish government is even trialling a scheme to provide free e-bikes to residents in rural areas to improve mobility.
France has also seen sales triple since introducing financial aid in 2016, significantly cutting reliance on cars and improving access for those unable to use traditional bicycles.
Tom Thornley, Managing Director of Paul’s Cycles said: ‘It’s time the government recognised e-bikes as a serious part of the green transport solution. Cost is still a big barrier for many people and we need targeted financial support whether through purchase grants and rebates, VAT reductions or a fairer, more inclusive Cycle to Work scheme.
‘E-bikes are a significant investment and UK schemes are not as widely promoted or generously supported as the subsidies you see in other European countries. Government grants have made a real difference in other European countries and that kind of incentive could have a huge impact here too.’
Justin Rodley, Director of bicycle insurance provider, VeloLife, also believes cycling infrastructure requires further support: ‘While there has been positive investment in cycle lane improvements in certain cities like London, Bristol, Manchester, Cambridge and York, we’re still a long way off having the kind of infrastructure seen in the countries leading these rankings.’
UK initiatives – such as month-long e-bike loans and free lessons -remain localised and short term. The Cycle to Work scheme offers tax savings, but it excludes lower earners and the self-employed because it relies on salary sacrifice, which cannot reduce wages below the legal minimum.
Practical barriers also persist for riders. Many workplaces don’t allow e-bikes to be stored indoors due to safety policies, leaving them vulnerable to theft or damage. According to VeloLife, e-bike ownership among its policyholders has risen to nearly half, but reported thefts have surged by 257% in the past two years.
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