A survey of more than 1,000 people in the Netherlands, as part of a larger group of more than 15,500 people in 12 European countries, has found that the rising cost of living and subsidies for buying e-bikes are the main factors for people to consider using e-bikes. The survey was commissioned by Shimano, a global manufacturer of bicycle parts and accessories.
People in the survey were asked about reasons for currently buying or renting an e-bike. The main motives were found to be the cost of living (53%) and support for purchase costs through an e-bike subsidy (50%).
Only 17% consider the improvement of cycling infrastructure as an important factor. However, 37% of people do indicate that the infrastructure in their neighbourhood has improved in the past 12 months. There are differences between provinces in this regard. In Limburg (46%), people are very appreciative of the improvements, but in Flevoland (72%) and Zeeland (61%), residents are not.
This survey was conducted in view of the State of the Nation of this year, an annual report from Shimano that provides insight into how people across Europe view e-bikes. The report is HERE find.
Across Europe, economic reasons such as the cost of living (47%) and subsidies for e-bikes (41%) are mentioned significantly more often than COVID-19 as an incentive factor to increase e-bike use (18%). This is a big difference from last year.
Then, 39% of respondents in Europe said they would consider buying or using an e-bike, thus avoiding public transport for fear of Covid-19. Concern for the environment was seen as a major motive by 33% of Europeans in the countries surveyed.
To gain insight into the thoughts people have when using e-bikes, Shimano asked the question: who do you think e-bikes are for? This showed that e-bikes in the Netherlands are very strongly associated with seniors (at 65% the case). This is much higher than the average of 38% across Europe. E-bikes are also associated with people concerned about the environment (42%) and with commuting (37% ).
Netherlands vs Europe
People in the Netherlands are much more likely than other Europeans to plan to have their bikes serviced: almost half (48%) say they plan to do so in the next 6 months. This is almost double the average of 25% across Europe. Over half of those in the Netherlands who plan to maintain their bikes (54%) say they do so because maintenance is important for the life of the bike. The Netherlands leads the way when it comes to the number of bicycle owners: only 13% say they do not own a bicycle, compared to an average of 41% across Europe.
Fascinating developments
Jonathan Davis, PR & Communications Manager bij Shimano Europe: “We zijn verheugd dat we ons vierde State of the Nation-rapport kunnen presenteren. Op basis van een enquête onder meer dan 15.500 mensen in heel Europa willen we zo de motieven van e-bikegebruikers onderzoeken en meer inzicht krijgen in hoe mensen tegen e-bikes en fietsen in het algemeen aankijken.
“De bevindingen zijn boeiend en stellen ons in staat belangrijke trends in de markt vast te stellen. De publieke opinie als het gaat om e-biken en de houding ten opzichte van mensen die met een e-bike rijden, verandert in positieve zin.
”We hopen dat dit rapport een nuttig hulpmiddel is voor iedereen in de fietsindustrie en daarbuiten en dat het een rol blijft spelen in het verder ontwikkelen van de e-bikebranche.”
Statistics
- 53% says rising cost of living is reason to buy/rent an e-bike
- 50% says a subsidy would encourage buying/renting an e-bike
- 65% thinks e-bikes are for seniors
- 43% says e-bikes are for environmentally conscious people
- 48% says they are likely to have their bike serviced in the next 6 months
- 54% of people who maintain their bikes say regular maintenance is important to keep them in good condition
Accountability
- Data and report: alle cijfers zijn, tenzij anders vermeld, afkomstig van YouGov Plc. De totale steekproefomvang bestond uit 15.792 volwassenen in het Verenigd Koninkrijk, Spanje, Frankrijk, Duitsland, Nederland, Italië, Oostenrijk, Zweden, Noorwegen, Denemarken, Polen en Zwitserland. Het veldonderzoek werd uitgevoerd tussen 17 en 25 augustus 2022. De enquête werd online uitgevoerd. Aan de cijfers is voor elk land een gelijk gewicht toegekend om tot een ‘gemiddelde’ waarde te komen.
Ganna & Shimano
On behalf of Shimano, Ganna supported the distribution of this press release in the Dutch media. Ganna is a creative marketing and communications agency in cycling.
About Shimano Europe: Founded in 1921, Shimano helps its customers get closer to nature, supports people to realise their dreams and creates new lifestyles. This includes a commitment to designing excellent cycling products and clothing. With more than 100 years of experience, Shimano is proud to have developed products that have helped countless athletes achieve success and enabled people to get out there. For more information, visit: lifestylebike.shimano.com
