Europe's adoption of electric bikes proportionally lowest in the UK, according to a recent report
The fourth annual CiTTi Awards, celebrating achievements and innovations in e-mobility, will take place on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. These awards serve as a platform to acknowledge the strides being made in the e-mobility sector.
Tom Thornley, Managing Director of Paul's Cycles, has emphasised the inclusivity of e-bikes, stating they open cycling to more people, regardless of physical ability, commuting needs, or cycling experience. However, despite their potential, the UK is ahead of only Belarus in electric bike uptake compared to its population.
Thornley highlights cost as a major barrier for many people in the UK and calls for targeted financial support through purchase grants, rebates, VAT reductions, or a more inclusive Cycle to Work scheme. He believes that such measures could make a significant difference, as seen in other European countries where government grants have had a positive impact.
Norway and Denmark reported the highest amount of electric bike sales per 1,000 inhabitants (36.2 and 36.1 respectively). In contrast, the UK has the second-lowest electric bike uptake in Europe, with 2.1 e-bikes sold per 1,000 people (460,000 total).
Interestingly, while no European governments explicitly offer free e-bikes specifically for rural residents as a nationwide program to improve mobility, some initiatives for shared e-mobility solutions exist in urban areas, such as shared e-bikes and e-scooters in Swiss cities like Schaffhausen. However, these do not target rural regions specifically.
Thornley advocates for government recognition of e-bikes as a significant part of the green transport solution. He points to the success of initiatives in countries like France, where a tripling of bike sales was observed after financial aid was introduced in 2016.
In a notable move, the Danish government is currently providing free e-bikes to residents in rural areas as part of a trial to improve mobility. This initiative underscores the potential impact of targeted support for e-mobility.
The analysis was conducted by bicycle retailer Paul's Cycles, and more information about the CiTTi Awards can be found at www.cittiawards.co.uk. As the e-mobility sector continues to grow, it is crucial for governments to consider the potential benefits of supporting this green transport solution.
