UK urged to boost support as e-bike uptake lags behind Europe
The UK has one of the lowest rates of e-bike ownership in Europe, with industry figures warning that a lack of government support is holding back adoption of what could be a key pillar of greener transport.
Research by retailer Paul’s Cycles shows that just 2.1 e-bikes are sold per 1,000 people in Britain, or around 460,000 units in total – placing the UK second-last among 30 European countries, ahead only of Belarus. By contrast, Norway and Denmark top the table with more than 36 sales per 1,000 people, helped by generous government incentives and investment in cycling infrastructure.
France has tripled e-bike sales since 2016 after introducing financial support, including grants for new purchases, underscoring the role subsidies can play in cutting car dependency and widening access to cycling.
E-bike adoption across Europe tends to correlate with GDP, but the UK is an outlier: a comparatively wealthy country with relatively poor uptake. Industry voices say the main difference is policy.
Tom Thornley, managing director of Paul’s Cycles, said: “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 – whether through purchase grants and rebates, VAT reductions or a fairer, more inclusive Cycle to Work scheme.”
While the national Cycle to Work scheme offers tax savings, it excludes lower earners and the self-employed because of its salary sacrifice structure. Localised schemes in Manchester, Luton, Dunstable and parts of Wales have experimented with free e-bike loans and lessons, but there is no nationwide programme.
Despite the lack of central support, Paul’s Cycles reported a 95 per cent increase in e-bike revenue in the first half of 2025 compared with the same period last year, suggesting growing public awareness of the benefits.
Beyond affordability, campaigners argue the UK’s infrastructure and regulation need to catch up with demand.
Justin Rodley, director of bicycle insurance provider VeloLife, said: “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.”
He added that theft and safety concerns are rising. Reported e-bike thefts have surged by 257 per cent in the past two years, while many workplaces and government properties ban bikes from being stored or charged indoors, forcing owners to leave them outside.
There are also growing concerns over illegal or modified imports that do not meet UK safety standards. “Around half of our policyholders now own e-bikes, and more are commuting with them,” Rodley said. “But without proper regulation, consumers risk buying unsafe products from unverified sources.”
The government recently boosted its electric vehicle fund but made no provision for cycling. Campaigners argue this is a major oversight given e-bikes’ potential to cut emissions, ease congestion, and open cycling to those who might not use a conventional bicycle, including older people, those with health conditions, or commuters travelling longer distances.
“E-bikes aren’t just about comfort,” said Thornley. “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.”
Industry figures say that without subsidies, regulation, and infrastructure improvements, the UK risks being left behind while European neighbours embed e-bikes into their transport systems.
