According to new research by Paul’s Cycles, the UK has one of Europe’s worst rates of electric bike ownership. Industry leaders say the government’s lack of support is preventing what could be a major step toward cleaner transportation.
The retailer’s data shows Britain sells just 2.1 e-bikes per 1,000 people annually – about 460,000 units total. That places the UK second-last among 30 European countries, ahead only of Belarus.
Norway and Denmark lead with more than 36 sales per 1,000 people.
Both countries offer generous government incentives and have invested heavily in cycling infrastructure. France has tripled e-bike sales since 2016 after introducing purchase grants and other financial support.
The UK stands out as an outlier – a wealthy country with poor electric bike adoption rates.
Tom Thornley, managing director of Paul’s Cycles, says policy makes the difference.
It’s time the government recognised e-bikes as a serious part of the green transport solution. Cost is still a big barrier for many people and we need targeted financial support.
He’s calling for purchase grants, VAT reductions, or changes to the Cycle to Work scheme.
Current Support Falls Short
The national Cycle to Work scheme does offer tax savings through salary sacrifice. But it excludes lower earners and self-employed workers who can’t access payroll deductions.
Some local areas have experimented with better programs. Manchester, Luton, Dunstable and parts of Wales offer free e-bike loans and training. There’s no nationwide program though.
Despite limited government support, Paul’s Cycles saw e-bike revenue jump 95% in the first half of 2025 compared to last year.
Justin Rodley from bicycle insurance provider VeloLife says infrastructure remains a major barrier.
While there has been positive investment in cycle lanes in cities like London, Bristol, Manchester, Cambridge and York, we’re still a long way off the infrastructure you see in the countries leading these rankings.
Safety and Security Issues Growing
Theft has become a serious problem. Reported e-bike thefts have surged 257% over the past two years.
Many workplaces and government buildings ban electric bikes from indoor storage or charging. This forces owners to leave expensive bikes outside – making theft more likely.
Safety concerns are also rising with illegal or modified imports that don’t meet UK standards.
Around half of our policyholders now own e-bikes, and more are commuting with them. But without proper regulation, consumers risk buying unsafe products from unverified sources.
The government recently increased funding for electric vehicles but made no provision for cycling support. Industry figures call this a major oversight.
Electric bikes can cut emissions and ease congestion while opening cycling to people who might not use regular bikes – including older riders, those with health conditions, or longer-distance commuters.
E-bikes aren’t just about comfort. They open cycling up to more people, whether you’re unable to ride a pedal bicycle, commuting, new to cycling, or trying to keep pace on group rides.
Without subsidies, better regulation, and infrastructure improvements, the UK risks falling further behind while European neighbors make electric bikes a core part of their transport systems.
