Global E-Bikes

Global E-Bikes

Global demand for e-bikes is forecast to expand 5.9% annually to 36.6 million units in 2027. This represents an acceleration from the 2017-2022 period as China – which accounts for two-thirds of global e-bike sales – rebounds following a significant, pandemic-induced drop in sales in 2022. Excluding China, e-bike sales will grow at an even faster pace, supported by the:

• greater availability of these products globally as production increases and a wider range of models are offered, including high-performance models, for both transportation and recreation purposes
• incentivization of e-bike usage through government subsidies and infrastructure
• establishment of new e-bike sharing/rental programs in large cities

However, the size of the e-bike market will continue to be restrained by the underdeveloped electric grids of many lower income countries, which make electric vehicles less appealing. In addition, competition from electric scooters, mopeds, and motorbikes (which can offer better performance than e-bikes) will serve as a check against e-bikes in some markets.

China to Account for 42% of Global Market Gains through 2027

After contracting 12% in 2022 because of the country’s strict Zero-COVID policy and associated economic turmoil, sales of e-bikes in China – the world’s largest market for these products – are expected to rebound at a healthy pace through 2027. As one of the earlier adopters of e-bikes, China has significant replacement needs for these machines, which have become an essential mode of transportation. Improving product quality will also make e-bikes more competitive with other types of two-wheelers. Finally, the Chinese government will continue to actively promote the electrification of transportation and support the country’s massive e-bike industry.

Government Initiatives & Replacement Sales Boost Demand in Western Europe

Western Europe features a sizable stock of e-bikes, as the region was one of the first to see penetration of this technology. As such, replacement sales will account for some demand in  countries such as Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, where e-bikes experienced earlier adoption. In other regional countries with less established e-bike markets, such as Spain and the UK, growth will come from riders transitioning from conventional bicycles to e-bikes. Sales will also be supported by government measures to lessen the environmental impact of transportation. For instance, in 2023, the EU announced a new strategy for cycling through 2030 that aims to promote cycling and encourage e-bike use, including investment in required charging infrastructure.

Study Description

This Freedonia study analyzes the 28 million unit global e-bike market. The study presents demand figures for 2012, 2017, and 2022, and forecasts for 2027 and 2032. We also offer annual data for the 2019-2026 period and historical e-bike demand charts for the 2000-2022 period for all countries. Global E-Bikes provides data for 25 countries and two additional regions (Eastern Europe and the A/M region). This Freedonia study also provides market share for 13 leading suppliers, such as Accell Group, Aima Technology, Giant Manufacturing, Jangsu Yadea, Merida, Pon, and Yamaha.