Dear All;
I would like to say a BIG thank you on behalf of BEBA for everyone who took part in the survey. Without your input it wouldn't have been possible.
I am pleased to outline the summary of the survey, if you want the full report please email me: markl@beba-online.co.uk
Summary
Below are the top answers for each question
Where do you live?
South East
How often do you use the throttle on your bike?
When I need a rest
Would you have bought an electric bike without a throttle?
No
Why did you buy an electric bicycle?
Help to get up hills
How old are you?
50 – 59
What is the main use for your bicycle?
Leisure
What is the average distance you cover?
6 – 10 miles
How much did you pay for your electric bicycle?
£801 -*‐ £950
Did you buy your bike online or through a store?
Through a store
Have you modified your bike from original specification to increase performance?
No

Conclusion
The location of consumers really took us by surprise; we didn’t expect the South East to represent such a huge proportion. It demonstrates that in some of the wealthier areas customer are purchasing electric bicycles, but on the flip side shows London as a big opportunity.
The throttle question was not a big surprise, 23.2% don’t have one and 4.3% don’t use the one fitted. This leaves a staggering 72.6% in need of a throttle on an electric bicycle. This translated into 58% saying they wouldn’t have bought their electric bicycle if a throttle wasn’t fitted.
The number one reason for purchasing was assistance up hills, closely followed by fitness/exercise. This shows that electric bicycle consumers aren’t just plain lazy, there is a real need for help in hill climbing and many usw it as a form of exercise.
The electric bicycle market started in continental Europe with mainly 60+ consumers used to cycling but just not having the fitness anymore to cover the same distances they used to. Although continental Europe is now experiencing a new wave of consumers in the 35 – 45 age bracket the UK is very much still a few years behind this development.
Commuting and leisure use seem equally split, with only a few using electric bicycles for professional purposes. With ever increasing transport costs we anticipate more and more to ditch their traditional means of commuting for electric bicycles.
There are a few electric bicycles that boast a range of over 80 miles, but in reality only 2.5% of consumers regularly travel further than 31 miles. The majority travel 6 -*‐ 10 miles.
The most popular price point is £801 -*‐ £950 making up 19.3%, whilst £801 -*‐ £1300 inclusive is 48.5% of all sales. There are just as many spending sub £500 as there are spending £2000 plus.
Through a store remains the popular way to purchase your bicycle, representing 50.3% of all purchases, however online sales are not far behind at 37.9% and we anticipate this will increase.
82% have left their bikes as standard, with 18% making adjustments to increase performance. Many of these have been wiring batteries together for greater range, but some to increase top speed.
The whole survey shows a general trend toward more expensive electric bicycles. Consumer habits are clearly identified as needing a throttle, but still motivated by fitness and exercise. I anticipate we will see further growth in the lower age groups over the coming couple of years.
I would like to say a BIG thank you on behalf of BEBA for everyone who took part in the survey. Without your input it wouldn't have been possible.
I am pleased to outline the summary of the survey, if you want the full report please email me: markl@beba-online.co.uk
Summary
Below are the top answers for each question
Where do you live?
South East
How often do you use the throttle on your bike?
When I need a rest
Would you have bought an electric bike without a throttle?
No
Why did you buy an electric bicycle?
Help to get up hills
How old are you?
50 – 59
What is the main use for your bicycle?
Leisure
What is the average distance you cover?
6 – 10 miles
How much did you pay for your electric bicycle?
£801 -*‐ £950
Did you buy your bike online or through a store?
Through a store
Have you modified your bike from original specification to increase performance?
No

Conclusion
The location of consumers really took us by surprise; we didn’t expect the South East to represent such a huge proportion. It demonstrates that in some of the wealthier areas customer are purchasing electric bicycles, but on the flip side shows London as a big opportunity.
The throttle question was not a big surprise, 23.2% don’t have one and 4.3% don’t use the one fitted. This leaves a staggering 72.6% in need of a throttle on an electric bicycle. This translated into 58% saying they wouldn’t have bought their electric bicycle if a throttle wasn’t fitted.
The number one reason for purchasing was assistance up hills, closely followed by fitness/exercise. This shows that electric bicycle consumers aren’t just plain lazy, there is a real need for help in hill climbing and many usw it as a form of exercise.
The electric bicycle market started in continental Europe with mainly 60+ consumers used to cycling but just not having the fitness anymore to cover the same distances they used to. Although continental Europe is now experiencing a new wave of consumers in the 35 – 45 age bracket the UK is very much still a few years behind this development.
Commuting and leisure use seem equally split, with only a few using electric bicycles for professional purposes. With ever increasing transport costs we anticipate more and more to ditch their traditional means of commuting for electric bicycles.
There are a few electric bicycles that boast a range of over 80 miles, but in reality only 2.5% of consumers regularly travel further than 31 miles. The majority travel 6 -*‐ 10 miles.
The most popular price point is £801 -*‐ £950 making up 19.3%, whilst £801 -*‐ £1300 inclusive is 48.5% of all sales. There are just as many spending sub £500 as there are spending £2000 plus.
Through a store remains the popular way to purchase your bicycle, representing 50.3% of all purchases, however online sales are not far behind at 37.9% and we anticipate this will increase.
82% have left their bikes as standard, with 18% making adjustments to increase performance. Many of these have been wiring batteries together for greater range, but some to increase top speed.
The whole survey shows a general trend toward more expensive electric bicycles. Consumer habits are clearly identified as needing a throttle, but still motivated by fitness and exercise. I anticipate we will see further growth in the lower age groups over the coming couple of years.
