Earlier this November, Juliette took an inter-railing trip across Europe. Whilst on her journey she discovered how Europe is embracing the e-bike!
E-bikes first gained popularity in the Netherlands during the mid 2000’s, mainly for leisure cyclists. But with with global e-bikes sales set or reach a whopping 13.5 million units by 2023, they are not longer ‘a passing fad’ but now a firm favourite with commuters, families, and last mire delivery services.
Europe’s E-Bike Love Affair
Did you know Germany is leading the pack boasting 12.4 million e-bike users? In The Netherlands in 2021 e-bike sales overtook traditional bike sales, and in France e-bike production is expected to race ahead of traditional bike manufacturing by the end of 2024!
Juliette visited Germany and Switzerland this autumn (where she left from St Pancreas Station on the Euro-Star – which she highly recommends), and came across some e-innovations that shes not yet encountered in the UK.
The first was a Swiss Postal Service e-bike which had a wagon attached. It seemed to have no issue tackling some of the steep suburban residential roads.
The second was an outdoor e-bike charging rack opposite some eateries on a popular cycling route through the Mosel Valley in Germany.
Around Europe and The Rest of the World
Inspiring projects are talking off all over the World. In Sejong, South Korea there spans a five and a half mire bike path. It’s not just any bike path, it’s situated in the middle of an 8 lane motorway and covered with solar panels! In the Netherlands, they have two solar cycle paths. Which produces clean energy whilst bearing cycle traffic. Closer to home, The Strawberry Line in Somerset is a disused railway line that is being transformed into a green-way. Aiming to run from Shepton Mallet to the sea in Cleavedon. Volunteers continuously work in partnership to maintain the path ensuring saff passage for all of those who use it.
Sounds Wheely Good Right?
Why not join the movement? You can try out an e-bike at Eco Savvy. We offer one month long e-bike trials – more information can be found here. Or if you already have a bike and fancy exploring what Arran has to offer why not check out our Wee Green Travel Map or pick up a paper copy at our Active Travel Hub or Zero Waste Cafes.
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