As interest in sustainable transport options continues to grow across the UK, YouGov conducted a new poll using YouGov Surveys: Serviced to understand public engagement with electric bicycles (e-bikes). The survey asked adults about their experiences, preferences, and barriers related to e-bike use.

Despite increased discussions about electric transport, just 4% currently use an e-bike, while another 11% have tried one in the past. Around 85% of British adults say they’ve never used one. Among younger adults aged 18-24-year-olds, more than 1 in 5 (22%) in this group say they’ve ridden an e-bike before, even if they don’t use one now.

Rental services are the most common method of accessing e-bikes, as indicated by 39% of those who’ve used an e-bike. This number is even higher among 25-34-year-olds (52%) and women (46%). Purchasing an e-bike, whether new or used, is the second most common method (31% overall), but this figure jumps significantly to 49% among users aged 55 and over — the highest of any age group, suggesting older users who have used an e-bike may be more likely to commit to ownership than try rentals.

Leisure is the most common reason people use e-bikes. Among past and current users, two-thirds (66%) say they used an e-bike for leisure or recreation. Exercise is a (distant) second most common reason at 24%, followed by commuting (21%) and shopping or running errands (14%). Men more likely than women to use an e-bike for commuting (26% vs. 14%) and work-related tasks like deliveries (11% vs. 3%).

For those who have never used an e-bike, the biggest barrier is preference for other transport modes such as cars or public transport (38%). Cost is also a major factor, with 19% saying e-bikes are too expensive, which rises to 27% among 25–34-year-olds. A quarter (25%) of respondents said they haven’t had the opportunity to try one, and another 20% have safety concerns.

Most respondents currently use conventional motor vehicles. Over half (53%) say they own or use a petrol or diesel car, while 4% use an electric car, and 9% drive a hybrid. Regular (non-electric) bicycles are used by 16%.

When choosing an e-bike, price is the top factor, mentioned by 57% of Brits. Battery range (51%) and comfort and ride quality (48%) also rank high. Aesthetics, brand, and smart features are less important overall, although younger adults are more likely to prioritise design and sustainability. For example, 33% of 25–34-year-olds cite sustainability as a key factor, nearly double the overall average (18%).

Looking at where consumers would prefer to buy an e-bike, specialty bike shops are the top choice (29%). One in eight (12%) prefer online retailers, while only 3% of respondents say they’d prefer to buy through a government program. Notably, nearly 1 in 5 adults (18%) say they would prefer not to purchase an e-bike at all, suggesting that while interest is growing, it’s far from universal.

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Methodology: YouGov Surveys: Serviced provides quick survey results from nationally representative or targeted audiences in multiple markets. This study was conducted online on 14-15 August 2025, with a nationally representative sample of 2,187 adults in the United Kingdom (aged 18+ years), using a questionnaire designed by YouGov. Data figures have been weighted by age, gender, education and region to be representative of all adults. Learn more about YouGov Surveys: Serviced.

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