Market: The bicycle augurs predicted several years ago that the e-bike would be the next big thing. But hardly anyone would have expected such an increase in popularity as we've been seeing on the streets lately.
A representative YouGov survey commissioned by the energy company E.ON is currently revealing exciting results. The clear statement: In the slipstream of the Corona crisis, the e-bike revolution picked up speed again. We don't want to withhold the five most important statements from the E.ON study from you.
- More than every second German citizen is interested in trying out an e-bike themselves. This opinion was shared by around 56% of the 8 test persons surveyed between May 11th and 2.048th who had never used an e-bike before. For all respondents who are currently using an e-bike, the question is of course superfluous.
- E-bike users now ride their bikes more often than before with a conventional bicycle. This statement was made by 61% of all e-bike users surveyed. Of particular interest is the increased use of bicycles in the over-55 age group (66%). “Only” 18% of 24-54 year olds stated that they use their bikes more often because of e-bikes.
- However, contrary to initial intuition, younger people are generally more open to using e-bikes. A total of 67% stated that they definitely or at least might want to try an e-bike. Among the over-55s it was only 50%. On average, approval was 56%.
- 42% of those surveyed overestimated the operating costs of e-bikes. Around 20 percent even reckoned with electricity costs of one euro per 100 km. A minority of 5% even suspected costs of up to 10 euros per 100 kilometers. Electricity is more expensive in Germany than anywhere else in the world - but then again not that expensive. In truth, 100 kilometers of e-bike action costs an average of just 21 cents.
- Motives for use are different. While the majority of all e-bike owners (67%) bought the bike for "leisure use", 67% stated "exercise in the fresh air" as the main motive. Around 40% named the e-bike as a situational alternative to the car - 35% saw the e-bike as a substitute for public transport.