China may be the world’s largest market for electronic bicycles, better known as e-bikes, but Europe is fast catching up. The EU’s official statistics agency says the bloc reached the one million e-bike mark two years ago, and sales have dramatically increased since then.
Lutz Baddack works with horses. But when it comes to work errands around Berlin, Lutz and his staff use the company’s new e-bike that takes a few hours to charge and has a range of 140 kilometers.
"We found it was a possibility for us to be quick with no parking spot problem or other issues. And we also recognized that on top of all this we don’t just do something for the environment, but we also save gasoline," said Lutz Baddack, owner of Reitsport Baddack.
Unlike many other parts of the world the EU does not require registration or licensing for e-bikes.
Nearly half a million are expected to be sold in Germany this year, in all shapes and sizes ranging from the equivalent of around eight hundred US dollars up to five thousand.
They’re not as green as regular bicycles, but its not just bike fans buying them.
"This is an alternative to be at, or get to, work without having to start the workday completely sweaty. That’s why I can imagine that this is used by people who usually use a car," said Stefan Gelbhaar, from the Green Party.
Dealers say the elderly are also big customers. Sales of conventional bicycles fell in Germany last year, but at the very same time sales of e-bikes rose by eight percent. Sales figures are expected to keep rising.
"In five years we will have the market segment of 20 percent, maybe more," said Marcus Kendler, owner of E-Motion.
In the hillier parts of southern Germany that figure has already been exceeded.
"In the Bavarian area every second bike that gets sold today is an e-bike," said Bernd Sebekow, owner of Ebike.
Germany remains the biggest market for e-bikes in Europe, but other countries are fast catching up in the Netherlands one in every five-bike sales has gone electric.
Brands are multiplying prices are falling and it appears in Europe, the e-bike is here to stay and not just a cyclical trend.