Demand for E-bikes has soared with new figures revealing almost double the number of sales as a result of a COVID-induced health kick. E-bike sales well and truly shifted gears in 2020 with demand expected to double again in 2021, according to the head of one of Australia’s biggest bike stores, 99 Bikes. Founder of 99 Bikes, Matt Turner, said demand for all types of bikes was up 107% across NSW since 2018, it was the sale of E-bikes that was starting to gain real cadence. “Since 2018, sales of E-bikes in New South Wales have jumped by 70%. Between April and December last year, sales increased by 61%, as people emerged from lockdowns, and sought safer, cheaper, healthier and environmentally friendly ways to get around. “E-commuter bikes, both standard and foldable, have proved very popular while the E-mountain bike has taken the mountain biking world by storm and introduced a whole new demographic to the sport,” Mr Turner said. With the popularity of E-bikes on the rise, 99 Bikes has created the Green Team, a group of everyday riders aimed at inspiring even more people convert their daily commute to an E-bike. “We are searching for 15 people who are passionate about making a positive change for themselves and our environment, and are keen to try an E-bike,” Mr Turner said. “We’ll give each rider a brand-new E-bike and all the accessories they need to ditch the car and start riding to work. In return, we want to follow their E-bike journey, so more people can see the health, environmental and financial benefits of E-biking.” Mr Turner said the perception that E-bikes were just for older people was a myth. “E-bikes are great for people of all ages and abilities. Most of our buyers are people aged 25+, who want to cycle to work but have been put off by concerns about their fitness, how long it will take, or just the thought of arriving hot and sweaty at the office,” Mr Turner said. “An E-bike takes away all of those factors and the research suggests that once they have an E bike, 93% of people starting biking to work every day,[1] which is great news for people’s health and wellbeing and the environment.” General Manager of Participation at AusCycling Nicole Adamson said E-bikes had an important role to play in increasing the uptake of cycling in Australia. “One of the silver linings of COVID-19 has been the thousands of people that have fallen back in love with riding or taken up cycling as a new hobby,” Ms Adamson said. “Our goal is to make Australia a nation of bike riders, and the exciting thing about E-bikes is that it gives everyone, regardless of their fitness level, the option of riding a bike and we are excited to see the riding community in Australia grow as a result.” 22-year-old Kevin Lim from Sydney recently tried an E-Bike for the first time. He said it was a great option for fitness and the environment. “An E-Bike allows you go further and faster without expending as much energy, but it’s still a great work out,” he said. “Because you don’t have to focus so much on pedalling, you can focus more on the road and riding conditions, which is reassuring, particularly if you’re riding on busy roads.” To apply to be a member of the 99 Bikes Green Team, visit 99bikes.com.au/greenteam and apply explaining why you should be one of 15 people selected to be on the team. FAST FACTS ABOUT E-BIKES • 42% of E-bike users were aged between 35-54.[2] • It is predicted that E-Bike sales will grow from 3.7 million to 17 million globally by 2030.[3] • A person who rides 10 kilometres each way to work will save around 150,000 kilograms of carbon emissions each year[4]. • E-bikes are available in fat, cargo, commuter, recreational, hardtail, full-suspension mountain, and even performance road bike styles. • With a new, fully charged battery you should be able to ride between 65 km and 100 km before needing to recharge!