e-bikes radically transform how we travel

There’s a quiet revolution happening on our roads. Without the benefit of the government subsidies, costly charging infrastructure and advertising on which the success of electric cars relies, sales of e-bikes are soaring.

The benefits of e-bikes can include a significant and long-term effect on how people travel. The University of Lausanne examined this so-called 'modal shift' and discovered that over half of e-bike owners in one Swiss city use their cars less after getting an e-bike, and almost 20 per cent get rid of their car completely.

The researchers conclude that e-bikes should be at the core of planning for decarbonised transport in towns and cities.

Crucially, the report revealed that most e-bikes owners (58 per cent) use them for both utility and leisure. Almost one third used their e-bike for only utilitarian trips.

• 15 questions to ask before buying an e-bike

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It's not clear why the UK government refuses to include e-bikes in the subsidies available for every other class of electric vehicle, but one thing's certain; there's a huge group of potential e-bike customers who'd buy if helped with the purchase price.

Two-thirds of us would consider buying e-bikes if helped by a subsidy scheme, according to a poll conducted by Bosch. That's almost 30 million people ready to buy an e-bike - a figure that would dramatically alter the UK's transport landscape for the better.

Get free Cycle Rescue with ETA cycle insurance

ETA cycle insurance includes the following as standard:

• Theft, accidental damage & vandalism
• E-bike battery theft cover
• Cycle Rescue (covers breakdowns including flat battery)
• No devaluation of your bike over time
• £2m third party PLUS £20,000 personal accident cover
• Shed and garage storage
• Low standard excess of 5% (£50 minimum)

Read a full list of everything we include as standard.

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The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.