the impact of electric bicycles on scooter sales

[Iahawk]

was reading an article on Common Tread blog (part of Revzilla, has reviews, stories, everything motorcycle / scooter related), about stricter laws on electric bicycles and if they will ultimately help or hurt motorcycling. Copied and pasted 1 paragraph, below: ouch!

"It's already easy to see the short-term impact of electric bicycles on the motorcycle market. From 2021 to 2024, U.S. sales of scooters — here we're using "scooters" in the way motorcycle riders typically do, referring to street-legal, gas-powered, step-through two-wheelers — dropped by about 47%, according to MIC data. It's easy to see why. If you're an urban commuter, would you choose a gas-powered scooter that requires a motorcycle license, registration, insurance, and a parking spot or would you get to work just as quickly on an electric bicycle that requires no paperwork, you can bring inside your apartment, if you want, and you can get away with riding on the bike path as well as on the street?"

I wonder if our European friends are seeing similar declines in scooter sales due to E bikes?

link to story: https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/nj-law-cracks-down-on-e-bikes

[Neil955i]

Cant speak for the whole of Europe Hawk, but according to Google AI here's the impact in the UK:

Yes, there is evidence that the rise of bicycles, particularly electric bikes, has contributed to a decline in certain segments of the UK scooter and moped market, alongside other factors like insurance costs and the pandemic-driven shift in commuting.
 
While scooters have seen some recent resilience in specific urban contexts, the overall landscape shows a complex relationship with bicycle sales:

    o Impact on Mopeds: Electric bicycles are cited as having captured part of the 50cc moped market, with sales in that category falling from over 25,000 in 2008 to just over 5,500 by 2023.
    o Declining Scooter Sales: June 2024 saw a significant 18.9% fall in scooter registrations in Britain, according to the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA).
    o The "Double-Dip" Effect: While both markets saw a surge during the pandemic (with Halfords reporting a 230% increase in e-bike and scooter sales in 2020), both sectors have subsequently struggled with overstock, with bicycle sales falling to their lowest level in 20 years by 2023.
    o Shifting Commuter Habits: The shift toward two-wheeled, lightweight transport has seen consumers choosing between e-scooters, e-bikes, and traditional bicycles based on cost-of-living concerns and commuting needs.
   

Resilience in Urban Areas: Despite the overall decline in 50cc, scooters (particularly in the 50-125cc category) have shown resilience in 2025 due to demand from food delivery services and urban congestion, showing a 1.5% increase in certain periods.  In summary, e-bikes have impacted the lower end of the scooter/moped market (50cc), while the overall two-wheeler market (both bicycles and scooters) is navigating a post-COVID slump and a challenging economic climate.

[Iahawk]

that's interesting, Neil. I can sure see why e bikes are eating into the 50cc scoot market as they both accomplish almost the same thing?

[randyo]

wise dealers will carry e-bikes as well as ICE bikes

[Stig / Major Tom]

Not many of either in Springfield, OH. See maybe 3 bikes a week - 4 scooters a year.

Stig

[randyo]

my observation locally, e-bikes & scooters have become popular with people who have lost their license to drive for one reason or another

[Neil955i]

that's interesting, Neil. I can sure see why e bikes are eating into the 50cc scoot market as they both accomplish almost the same thing?

Correct Hawk.  If I were in the market for local transportation and the choice was between a 50cc moped with £££ of compulsory training, insurance & licence or an unregulated eBike which is probably cheaper to run on electricity than even a 50cc on petrol, then it really would be a no brainer!  Who knows, if I end up losing my licence owing to advancing years, I MIGHT be in the market for local transportation!

As an aside on this, I bumped into an 80-odd years old fellah at the supermarket recently on an eBike.  He raved about it having given up on cycling some years earlier when hills became too much for him.  Apparently the small electric motor assist made all the difference and had allowed him back into cycling!

[Ruffus]

Here in Italy there was (until 2024/25) an urban hype in e-scooters which lead to sinking figures in ICE propelled mopeds. People within cities were not that happy with ruthless riders. Since last year e-scooters require....

(Quote law text)
In Italy, electric scooter rules require riders to be 14+, wear helmets (especially minors), use lights and turn signals, and stick to 20 km/h max speed (6 km/h in pedestrian zones), banning passengers, towing, or riding on sidewalks; recent laws mandate insurance, license plates, and ban them from cycle lanes, with strict penalties for non-compliance (though insurance implementation is pending).

[Wiz]

FortNine had a YouTube video about e-Bikes killing Motorcycles. It is kind of an ad for the e-Bike but still interesting.

[mrmike]

   Here in Syracuse, NY, I never saw very many scooters. Several years ago a company came in with electric bike rentals. I think you pay with a credit card for an allotted amount of time. You see them abandoned all over the place when the time runs out. There is also a much greater number of electric bicycles around. Unfortunately both these types are usually bought or rented by individuals who don't wear helmets or respect any traffic laws. Any age can operate one, and the majority of the ones I've seen drive unsafely with no respect for scooters or cars.

[Neil955i]

Since last year e-scooters require....

(Quote law text)
In Italy, electric scooter rules require riders to be 14+, wear helmets (especially minors), use lights and turn signals, and stick to 20 km/h max speed (6 km/h in pedestrian zones), banning passengers, towing, or riding on sidewalks; recent laws mandate insurance, license plates, and ban them from cycle lanes, with strict penalties for non-compliance (though insurance implementation is pending).

That's interesting Ruffus, the UK often (sadly) takes a legislative lead from the EU so we'll maybe see a toughening up of the eBike Wild West over here!

[Ruffus]

@Neil, it was about time legislation did smtg about this wildgrow on sidewalks, pedestrian zones, etc. At times it wasn't safe to walk anymore.
Accidents and legal issues from "hit and run" piled up. People don't see reason until being reached into their wallet.

[Neil955i]

You're absolutely right Ruffus.  I have no doubt it will go the same way here - and not a moment too soon.