Exposing the Top Barriers: Why Drivers Unwillingly Resist Replacing Cars with Electric Bikes

British drivers have rejected suggestions that electric bikes could one day replace cars on the nation’s roads, according to a new survey from AutoTrader. The survey found that e-bikes would “supplement” car usage rather than replace it. The report, titled ‘e-bikes and micromobility: The Future of Travel?’, published by the used car marketplace, revealed that consumers do not see e-bikes as a replacement for their cars. Only 47 percent of the 1,582 road users polled said they could use an e-bike for shorter car journeys, while just 10 percent said e-bikes could replace all journeys, with 43 percent admitting they would not use an e-bike for any trips.

Of the 745 motorists who said they would consider e-bikes, less than five percent would use them for travel distances exceeding 15 miles. Ian Plummer, AutoTrader’s Commercial Director, acknowledged that some people recognized the benefits of using e-bikes. However, he emphasized the continued importance of cars for many people. Mr. Plummer argued that there are still barriers to e-bike adoption and urged the government to do more to encourage sustainable travel.

He explained that consumers understand the positive changes e-bikes can bring in terms of reducing pollution and combating climate change. However, there are still obstacles to adoption, which hinders growth in the e-bike market. Mr. Plummer stressed that financial incentives, improvements in cycling infrastructure, and greater promotion of the benefits of e-bikes are essential to boost confidence in purchasing and using e-bikes in the future.

The survey also revealed reservations among Britons about owning an electric bike. Around 50 percent expressed concerns about the costs of e-bikes, while 46 percent were worried about road safety. Additionally, 37 percent said they would not utilize their e-bike enough if they owned one, and 31 percent raised concerns about the lack of bike lanes.

Michelle Jakeway, head of strategic marketing partnerships at Raleigh, acknowledged that e-bikes have a unique role in reducing transport emissions. However, she also acknowledged that there is still a lot of work to be done before e-bikes become mainstream. She commented that in order to advance the e-bike revolution in the UK, there needs to be an increase in safe cycling infrastructure and financial support to facilitate the shift.