Drivers willing to ditch vehicles for electric bikes as car ownership rates could plummet
Almost half of drivers said they would be interested in using e-bikes for shorter journeys
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Nearly half of car owners in the UK are willing to ditch their vehicles for electric bikes for shorter journeys, according to new data.
Around 47 per cent of British car owners said they would be open to using electric bikes to supplement their car usage.
It is estimated that nine per cent of UK car owners also own an e-bike, with total sales hitting £310million last year.
Organisations and local authorities have been implementing measures to reduce emissions and boost the uptake of more sustainable methods.
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With the expansion of the Ulez last month, many motorists are looking to avoid paying the £12.50 daily charge, with some choosing the get rid of their older, more polluting petrol and diesel cars.
People who do scrap their vehicles can benefit from money off electric bikes and e-scooters, as well as car and van clubs.
Despite the offers on offer, research from Auto Trader suggests more than three-quarters of people have never owned nor considered purchasing an e-bike.
Ian Plummer, commercial director for Auto Trader, acknowledged that there were still some barriers to entry, suggesting that Government incentives could help people switch.
He added: “Having access to a car is still of great importance for consumers across the UK and many rely on this form of transportation to get around in their day-to-day life.
“However, our research revealed that many also recognise the benefits that micro mobility options such as e-bikes can bring both from a cost and environmental perspective, along with speed for particular types of journeys.
“Consumers understand that by making more positive changes and using e-bikes where possible, can help reduce pollution on the roads and combat climate change.”
Based on Auto Trader data, the cheapest electric bike for sale is £999 for a Batribike Omega, while the most expensive is £13,500 for a high-end Trek Fuel Exe.
Recent research from the National Travel Survey found that car ownership is still vital to everyday life, with an average of 337 trips every year per person.
Of the total number of trips, around 151 trips were taken to go shopping, outranking commuting or travelling for leisure.
Michelle Jakeway, head of strategic marketing partnerships at Raleigh, commented on the research, saying efforts are being made to make electric mobility more attractive to consumers.
She said: “E-bikes have a unique role to play in helping to reduce our transport emissions, whilst at the same time reducing congestion and improving air quality.
“The findings of this report, alongside the demand that we see from consumers, highlights strong appetite for e-bikes.
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Around 76 per cent of drivers have never owned nor considered buying an electric bike
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“In order to take the e-bike revolution to the next stage in the UK, we need to see an increase in safe and continuous cycling infrastructure, alongside financial support to help people make the shift.”