Auto Trader enters e-bike space
E-bikes are now available to buy on Auto Trader – the UK’s largest automotive marketplace.
Offering over 1,500 E-bikes from 45 manufacturers including Raleigh and Brompton, the launch marks an exciting development in the mainstream adoption of e-mobility solutions.
With existing presence in almost all other forms of electric mobility – including vans, cars, quadricycles, mopeds and motorbikes – Auto Trader can play a vital role in growing the E-bike market.
Following on from the government’s launch of the Gear Change Plan, E-bikes offer a new personal mobility solution that can help the UK to achieve the Government‘s ambition of half of all journeys in towns and cities being walked or cycled by 2030 in a more accessible and fair way. Currently, one in two car journeys are less than five miles.
Ian Plummer, Commercial Director at Auto Trader, commented: “We are focused on helping consumers to make more environmentally friendly vehicle choices so in turn they can make more environmentally friendly journey choices. This might be walking or using a bike instead of using a car for a short journey, or perhaps an E-bike could be used to travel to a train station.
“Cars clearly are very important for most people and will undoubtedly remain the primary mobility solution here in the UK, but as we all try to make more positive changes to help combat climate change, other mobility options such as bikes can be a complementary solution. E-bikes, cars, E-cargobikes and vans, are increasingly being used for either shorter journeys or even for different parts of one journey, where appropriate.”
Onsite research carried out at the end of 2022 shows there is keen interest for E-bikes from the existing Auto Trader audience with nearly a quarter (24%) of visitors to the marketplace saying they were interested in owning an E-bike. In addition, of those visiting the leisure vehicle marketplace, nearly a third (32%) said they were interested in owning one with another 30% of respondents already owning one.
Plummer continued: “We’re excited about the impact E-bikes can have on how we get around and on people’s behaviour – switching from a single mode of transport for most of their needs to multiple solutions which are appropriate to each journey.
“E-bikes will play a vital role in the future of mobility – a future where people make use of a connected combination of mobility solutions and can enjoy easier connections from one to the other. As part of our role in driving confidence in every journey, we’re looking forward to supporting the growth of this important sector.”
Julien Scriven, MD of Brompton Bike Hire, added: “Whilst over 90% of adults know how to ride a bike, less than 3% ride a bike regularly. Electric bikes are a great way to encourage the 87% to give cycling a go. At Brompton we passionately believe that it is vital to encourage people to use the most appropriate mode of transport for the journey they are taking.
“It is fantastic to see Auto Trader starting to promote electric bikes which can only help encourage their regular visitors to consider adding a bike to their choice of travel options.”
Image courtesy of Auto Trader.
