With prices rising at the pump, bike sales are up across the country.
With the City of Sydney reporting 600,000 bike-sharing trips in March, a 25% increase on the previous month, and Transport for NSW reporting a 5% dip in motor traffic, it seems some are turning to two wheels.
And that interest in bikes has translated into sales.
Bike retailer 99 Bikes reported a 136% year-on-year growth in e-bike sales in late March — ironically in the same period that the Queensland Government has moved to make it much harder to ride an e-bike, proposing legislation that will require riders to hold a driver's licence and stick to 10km/h on shared paths.
"We are seeing a significant sales uplift for commuter bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters over the past few weeks, coinciding the recent spike in fuel prices," said David Miller-Heidke, General Manager Australia and New Zealand at 99 Bikes.
"Specifically, e-bike sales volume grew 136% year-over-year the week before last.
"This indicates a clear shift: many people who were previously 'considering' an e-bike have now pulled the trigger, viewing it as a long-term 'cost of living' fix."
Legal e-bikes — that is, models with a wattage of up to 250W that offer pedal assistance only to 25km/h and require pedalling — offer a wealth of benefits.
Not only are they far cheaper to maintain than a car, eschewing licensing and registration costs on top of fuel expenses, they offer exercise benefits and an environmentally sustainable means of transport.
They are particularly beneficial for riders with decreased fitness or mobility, offering all the freedom of a bike without raising a sweat.
"Legal e-bikes are a fantastic option for those looking to cut fuel costs," said Bicycle Network CEO Alison McCormack.
"Unlike the fuel excise or temporary public transport fare slashing, switching to travelling by e-bike is a long-term solution to the rising cost of living.
"We're excited to see consumers considering the switch and for those still weighing up the options, we invite them to find out more on our website."
“With a new era of proper e-bike regulation now being introduced, consumers will have much more confidence in the dealers, the products and the servicing.
"They will know their investment will be reliable, long-lasting and will hold its value over the years while it keeps families mobile and the budget under control."
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