Understanding and Attracting the Growing E-Bike Market
Presented by:
JAMIE STUCKLESS OWNER & PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT STUCKLESS CONSULTING INC.2023 Cycle Tourism Conference
www.jamiestuckless.ca
Presentation Overview
❑ Introduction
❑ E-bike benefits
❑ What are e-bikes
❑ E-bikes & tourism
❑ New e-bike report
Stuckless Consulting Inc.
Independent consulting practice owned & operated by Jamie Stuckless. We work with non -profits and governments to plan, implement, and evaluate transportation initiatives that contribute to sustainable, inclusive, and healthy communities.
ENGAGING COMMUNITIES
ADVANCING MICROMOBILITY
SUPPORTING POLICY CHANGE
Stuckless Consulting Inc.
Independent consulting practice owned & operated by Jamie Stuckless. We work with non -profits and governments to plan, implement, and evaluate transportation initiatives that contribute to sustainable, inclusive, and healthy communities.
ENGAGING COMMUNITIES
ADVANCING MICROMOBILITY
AND WE LOVE EBIKES!
SUPPORTING POLICY CHANGE
Why we love e-bikes
E-Bikes increase feelings of safety.
E-bike riders report feeling safer on e-bikes than on pedal bikes because they can take longer routes to avoid dangerous areas and keep up with the flow of traffic.
E-Bikes are great exercise.
People on e-bikes tend to increase their riding frequency and duration. Research shows similar activity benefits to riding conventional bikes.
E-Bikes replace car trips.
People are more likely to replace a car trip with an e-bike than with a conventional bike and studies show e-bikes substituting for 20% to 86% of car trips.
E-Bikes increase access. Increase cycling participation especially for women, families, people with disabilities and seniors by making distances and hills easier, carrying cargo, keeping up with friends, etc.
E-Bikes increase cycling.
Research consistently demonstrates that people on e-bikes increase their cycling frequency, and in some cases almost double the number of km cycled regularly.
The e-bike market is growing.
E-bike sales are outpacing the sale of electric vehicles and e-bike ridership in the United States has been nearly doubling every year in 2015.
What are e-bikes
European Union
E-bikes was maximum speed of 25km/h and output of 250watts operate in the same way as bicycles.
South Korea
E-bikes with maximum speed of 25km/h and weight of 30kg classified as bicycles.
United States
States moving towards three classes of e-bikes that range from 32km/h to 45km/h.
South Africa
Bill for e-bikes to operate like bicycles if maximum speed is 25km/h and maximum weight is 30kg.
India
E-bikes have a maximum speed of 25km/h and output of 250watts.
China
E-bikes have a maximum speed of 25km/h and weight of 55kg.
What are e-bikes
E -bikes were defined at the federal level until February 2020, when Transport Canada downloaded this responsibility to the provinces and territories. Many provinces and territories still use or reference the former federal definition.
A main concern about the federal definition was that it grouped what we might consider to be e-bikes with moped -style e-bikes / scooters.
What are e-bikes (Canada)
Yukon
Electric power-assisted cycles can go up to 32km/h and officials can make regulations about age.
British Columbia
Motor assisted cycles up to 32km/h and can be ridden by people aged 16 years and older. BC Parks distinguishes between USbased Class 1, 2 and 3 bikes and added a fourth category for adaptive mountain bikes.
Alberta
Power-assisted bicycles can go up to 32km/h and be ridden by people aged 12 and older.
Quebec
Power-assisted bicycles can go up to 32km/h and be ridden by people 18 years and older. People aged 14 to 17 who hold a class 6D license can also ride.
Newfoundland & Labrador
Specify that power-assisted bicycles cannot be operated on a highway with a speed greater than 80km/h.
Nova Scotia
E-bikes with a maximum speed of 30km/h and output of 500watts considered bicycles.
What are e-bikes (Ontario)
Description Status Terminology Min. Age Min. Age Passenger Helmets Required Max. Speed Max. Weight Max. Power Additional Notes Current definitions In effect Power-assisted bicycle 16 yrs. 16 yrs. Yes 32 km/h 120 kg 500 watts Definitions in the MOMS Act 2021 Received Royal Assent, but not yet proclaimed Bicycle-style (type 1) 14 yrs. None if seat available Any changes to helmet requirements determined in regulations 32 km/h 55 kg 500 watts Ministry of Transportation continues to analyze future e-bike redefinitions. Motor scooterstyle (type 2) 16 yrs. 120 kg Motorcyclestyle (type 3) Cargo e-Bike Pilot In effect March 1, 2021 to March 1, 2026 Cargo e-bikes 16 yrs. None if seat available Yes 32 km/h no limit (55 kg +) 1000 watts Must have traditional bicycle design and a platform, basket, or container; max. width 1.3m, max. length 4m and max. height 2.2m; only partial enclosure of
occupants permitted
What are e-bikes
Where E-Bikes Can Ride
Determined at the provincial and municipal level
Some provinces provide specifications
• (e.g., No e-bikes on sidewalks in Manitoba, and no e-bikes on the PEI Confederation Trail in the winter)
Some municipalities provide specifications
• (e.g., No e-bikes on Conservation Area trails in Hamilton, No e-bikes over 40kg on shared pathways in Toronto)
Wait, where can I ride?
NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES
E-Bikes & Tourism
Very little research specifically about e -bikes and tourism, but multiple e-bike benefits can have an impact on tourism.
E-bikes are growing cycling and the market is anticipated to reach $52.37 billion USD by 2030.
E-bikes help people cycle further distances, which can make cycle tourism journeys more appealing and accessible.
E-bikes are being used for recreational journeys and prolonging people’s engagement with cycling, especially amongst adults aged 55 and older.
E-bikes can help facilitate group riding, especially for women, who cite the ability to keep up with friends and family as a primary benefit to e-cycling.
E-bikes make it easier to carry luggage and children, opening the door for more cycle tourism amongst families
E-Bikes & Tourism
The percentage of cyclists using e -bikes for our annual cycling tour has increased exponentially over the past 5 years. Registration for the 2023 Great Waterfront Trail Adventure is ongoing and we can report that 13% of registered participants have specified that they will be riding an e-bike this year. This compares to 9.3% of participants riding e-bikes in 2022.
- Marlaine Koehler, Waterfront Regeneration Trust
My wife Mary and I have both been recreational and utilitarian cyclists for many years. As we grew older and the riding got a little harder, we decided to make the switch to e-bikes. We do a lot of cycling tourism with our e-bikes, as well as local cycling with friends. Over half of our 55+ bike club have now switched to e-bikes!
- Jim Boate, E -Bike rider
E-Bikes & Tourism
So, what can tourism operators do leverage the growth of e-bikes?
Work with municipalities and businesses to provide secure locations for riders to charge their e-bikes.
Be welcoming to e-bikes as part of tourism experiences. A perceived stigma against ebikes is a major barrier.
Include information about e-bike charging in promotional materials.
Work with municipalities and destinations to ensure that secure bike parking is available.
Work with municipalities to ensure that ebikes are welcome on local trails and infrastructure.
Offer e-bike rentals or promote local e-bike rental opportunities.
Provide clear communications about any ebike prohibitions.
Plan e-bike friendly routes.
*NEW* E-Bike Report
E -bikes are growing in popularity, but there is a lot of uncertainty about what they are, where they can ride, and how to leverage their potential. Stuckless Consulting Inc. has prepared a free e -bike report that includes:
• Insights from e-bike studies
• E -bike laws around the world
• Common e-bike misconceptions
• Strategies to increase e-bike access
• Stories from people who ride e-bikes
• And more!
Download the free report today at jamiestuckless.ca
Jamie Stuckless Owner & Principal Consultant Stuckless Consulting Inc.
jamiestuckless.ca
you!
jamie@jamiestuckless.ca
Thank