Electric bicycle sales are exploding during the coronavirus lockdown

As government-imposed lockdowns unfold across the US within the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, small companies have been struggling. With folks caught at residence and tightening their purse strings, many feared that the hardship can be acutely felt by the scores of electrical bicycle corporations which have popped up over the previous couple of years.

However because it seems, the other is true. In truth, gross sales of electrical bicycles seem to have exploded lately.

Electrical bicycle gross sales numbers had already been on a tear at the end of last year, and have been steadily growing yr over yr because the business has grown.

Now we’re listening to from e-bike corporations in each the US and Europe who’re reporting document gross sales figures throughout the COVID-19 lockdown.

VanMoof, a Dutch e-bike producer that markets e-bikes all around the world, reported as early as final month that its gross sales had already risen for the reason that COVID-19 pandemic started. Even way back to February, the corporate noticed its highest foot visitors ever at its flagship shops world wide in areas similar to Paris and New York Metropolis. Then in March, the corporate recorded record-breaking on-line gross sales that had been up nearly 50% in comparison with the identical interval within the earlier yr, with guests to its web site up over 80%.

VanMoof has since capitalized on the momentum, launching two new electric bicycles: the VanMoof S3 and X3. The bike particulars had truly been leaked a week earlier, which could have helped enhance website guests. However anyway you slice it, the somewhat premium e-bike model, whose new bikes begin at round $2,000, has definitely seen a big gross sales enhance. And the actual fact the corporate’s lately launched e-bikes have value factors greater than $1,000 beneath the earlier technology fashions has definitely helped proceed the optimistic gross sales pattern seen throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

If larger priced e-bikes are promoting properly, you higher consider that extra budget-friendly e-bikes are seeing a fair bigger leap in gross sales figures.

Within the US, Arizona-based on-line e-bike retailer Lectric eBikes has reported a 140% enhance in gross sales since March 15, which corresponds with the interval that many states started lockdowns. As state governments have inspired social distancing, many riders have been taking to e-bikes as a solution to stay lively whereas preserving their distance from others.

As Lectric eBikes cofounder Levi Conlow defined in a press release supplied to Electrek:

Our clients have been saying that e-bikes are an ideal choice for the brand new coronavirus-era way of life. The dramatic enhance in gross sales exhibits that nationally, folks need to shift how they get round. It’s additionally a unbelievable choice for these trying to socially isolate whereas getting recent air exterior.

Lectric eBikes sells the Lectric XP e-bike, a 28 mph (45 km/h) folding electrical bicycle with fats tires, which makes it able to each on-road commuting and lightweight off-road path driving. With a price of just $899, it is likely one of the most reasonably priced e-bikes within the US that’s nonetheless able to excessive energy and excessive velocity driving. We had the chance to review the Lectric XP recently, and you may see our evaluation video beneath.

Lectric eBikes cofounder Robby Deziel defined additional:

Along with consolation and comfort, we wish to provide our clients a product that doesn’t forgo high quality at an business shattering value and with out hidden charges. Now greater than ever, we really feel that getting an electrical bike needs to be attainable for everybody.

The corporate has even used its current success to assist in giving again to its local people, donating 8,000 KN95 masks to native healthcare employees in its residence state of Arizona.

E-bikes have gotten extra reasonably priced

Different corporations have dropped costs on their reasonably priced e-bikes lately as properly, similar to the RadRunner from Rad Power Bikes.

It initially retailed for $1,299 however noticed a price reduction to $1,199 final month after a better spec and-limited version model generally known as the RadRunner Plus was announced.

The RadRunner additionally affords 20-inch fats tires just like the Lectric XP, however makes use of a utility-style body just like a stretched electrical moped. Such minibike or electrical moped fashion e-bikes were gaining in popularity near the end of 2019, and based mostly on present gross sales stories are persevering with to develop in reputation.

Electrek’s Take

Again when the financial system began its downturn in late February, I have to admit that I used to be amongst those who anxious concerning the destiny of the numerous e-bike corporations within the US and world wide.

With extra folks out of labor and fewer cash of their pockets, I feared that electrical bicycles can be seen as costly luxuries as a substitute of the cost-saving alternative transportation options they truly are.

Contemplating that e-bikes are nice for each leisure driving and for changing many automotive journeys, I see them as a prudent alternative now greater than ever. And I’m glad to see that buyers are agreeing.

What do you suppose? Is that this a superb time to place some miles on an e-bike? Tell us within the feedback part beneath should you’re socially distancing on two wheels!

Subscribe to Electrek on YouTube for exclusive videos and subscribe to the podcast.