E Bikes Use Growing

Will Electric Bicycle Manufacturers Overtake Traditional Motorcycle Manufacturers?

Yamaha already has an established Ebike business to complement its ICE-powered motorcycle business.

The Greek philosopher Heraclitus said “change is the only constant in life.” Change is certainly at the center of motorized vehicle industries at this moment, whether four wheels or two. Some major jurisdictions, in fact, are mandating a relatively rapid move to electric powered vehicles, and the increasing focus on climate change may force internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles off the roads sooner than we might imagine.

Of course, we spend plenty of time in the motorcycle industry talking about the rise in popularity of motorcycles powered by electric motors, rather than traditional ICE – with perhaps the largest issue being the relatively short range, and lengthy recharging time, associated with electric motorcycles.

A related trend might be even more important, i.e., the rise in popularity of electric bikes worldwide. Electric bicycles are the powered two wheelers that are exploding in popularity, even here in the United States. The growth rate in electric bike sales far outstrips that of motorcycles.

Here are some numbers for context. Before 2005, electric bikes were rare throughout Europe and China. Currently, there are over 200 million electric bikes in use in China, and annual sales of electric bikes in Europe are approaching 2 million units today. The U.S. has been lagging when it comes to the adoption of Ebikes, but U.S. sales are now roughly 300,000 Ebikes per year. Some forecasters expect worldwide Ebike sales to grow more than 60% by 2025.

Electric bikes, of course, have pedals by definition. In various jurisdictions they may be limited to 20 mph, or 28 mph, in order to permit their operation without a license, registration and insurance, as well as to make them bike lane legal. Some Ebike manufacturers, of course, are already moving into full fledged scooter and motorcycle production, while some traditional motorcycle manufacturers are making Ebikes.

Yamaha, Ducati, and KTM, for example are traditional motorcycle manufacturers selling or developing Ebikes. Yamaha Ebikes can be found on the same internet homepage occupied by Yamaha motorcycles here in the United States.

Our recent article regarding Harley-Davidson’s acquisition of a children’s’ Ebike manufacturer highlights the creation of brand loyalty by developing a customer base through the sale of Ebikes. That same type of brand loyalty is now being developed by Trek Bicycles, Specialized Bicycles and other traditional “pedal-power-only” manufacturers that have hopped on the Ebike bandwagon. Countless other Ebike-only manufacturers, and component suppliers, are growing in financial strength worldwide. Many of these electric powered two-wheel manufacturers will eventually embrace larger, faster scooters and motorcycles as their customer bases demand it.

Will Ebike manufacturers displace many of the traditional motorcycle manufacturers as the two industries eventually merge over the next 5 to 10 years?