No sweating in the office, lasting longer on long day trips and conquering even the steepest climbs: 7 percent of Germans aged 14 and over own an e-bike – and appreciate the support of an electric motor when cycling. Among non-owners, interest is high. 33 percent can imagine buying one. And 37 percent can imagine renting an e-bike. This is the result of a representative survey conducted on behalf of the digital association Bitkom. “E-bikes are playing an increasingly important role in everyday mobility. This applies to commuters and private users as well as in the business sector. For example, the use of electric cargo bikes is interesting for delivery services,” says Bitkom mobility expert Mario Sela. “As an environmentally friendly alternative to the car, e-bikes can counteract the typical problems of growing cities such as a lack of parking spaces, particulate matter pollution and noise pollution."
For those who already have e-bike experience, there are various reasons for cycling with motor assistance. The vast majority (80 percent) simply find it more comfortable than a bike without a drive. Four out of ten (43 percent) see the advantage in getting through city traffic faster and not having to look for a parking space. The same number (42 percent) are in favor of e-bikes for environmental reasons, as they are quieter and more environmentally friendly than cars. One in four (27 percent) say that, despite their varying levels of fitness, they can keep up with their partner on an e-bike. For one in five (19 percent), economic aspects speak in favor of the e-bike, since it can be used to travel distances that would otherwise require a car. One in nine (11 percent) say that, despite a lack of or declining fitness, they can continue to ride a bike with the e-bike. For one in ten (10 percent), the main advantage of e-bikes is that they can ride their bike to work without arriving there sweaty.
Six out of ten German citizens aged 14 and over (60 percent) cannot imagine buying an e-bike. For most of them (55 percent), the high price is a deterrent, for a quarter (26 percent) it is the laborious process of charging the battery and for one in six (16 percent) it is the fear of theft. 14 percent see no advantage in e-bikes, one in nine (11 percent) find them too heavy. 7 percent are ashamed to use an e-bike and 6 percent are disturbed by the whirring of the motor.
Sales of bicycles with electric motors – so-called pedelecs or e-bikes – have been on the rise for years. These bikes only provide the rider with electric assistance when they are pedalling themselves. The motor switches off at a speed of more than 25 kilometres per hour. With so-called S-pedelecs, the motor assistance also allows for a higher speed, but in Germany, in contrast to simple pedelecs, these vehicles require insurance, a license plate and a driving license.
Source: bitkom