E-Biking in Numbers: Why Electric Cycling Is Transforming Travel, Tourism & Daily Mobility

Our Zyflow Vision

At Zyflow, our mission is to make e-biking easier, safer, and more enjoyable for every rider. We believe that e-cyclists deserve access to clear, reliable and practical information — from charging locations and route planning to safety, infrastructure and tourism insights.

By publishing data-driven articles like this one, we aim to support e-bike users with valuable knowledge, while also encouraging all creators of the e-bike ecosystem — destinations, service providers, infrastructure developers and policymakers — to recognize the growing importance of this segment and make their environment more accessible and e-bike friendly.

Our vision is simple:a world where every e-cyclist can ride with confidence, explore freely, and enjoy a seamless experience supported by thoughtful infrastructure.

Introduction: E-bikes as the driver of new mobility

Electric bikes are no longer a niche trend — they are reshaping mobility, tourism, infrastructure planning and the way millions of Europeans explore their surroundings. The data is clear: e-biking is one of the fastest-growing mobility segments, influencing industries from tourism to urban planning. Below is an evidence-based overview of the key numbers, trends and insights powering this shift. (All primary data points sourced from the attached evidence pack.) 

1. The European E-Bike Boom: Market Growth in Hard Numbers

Across Europe, e-bikes have become the driving force of electric mobility, outperforming traditional cycling in both sales and usage.

Germany Leads the Charge

According to ZIV (2024):

• 2.05 million e-bikes sold in a single year

• E-bikes now represent 53% of all bikes sold

• Industry experts call e-bikes the "engine of electric mobility"

Europe’s Wider Market Trend

(CONEBI, 2024)

• Conventional bicycle sales are declining

• E-bike sales remain 50% above pre-pandemic levels

• Average annual market growth (2019–2024): +17%

Digital Interest in Cycle Tourism Is Surging

(EuroVelo, 2024)

• 1.8+ million website sessions

• +9.8% more users on EuroVelo routes compared to 2019

Netherlands: A Mature E-Bike Nation

(Fietsplatform, 2022)

• 52% of recreational cyclists use an e-bike

• Up from 32% in 2016

Conclusion: E-biking has moved from niche recreation to mainstream mobility — and the numbers show the trend isn’t slowing.

This graphic presents Europe e-bike statistics on spending, stay duration, and regional growth, showing how e-biking strengthens local tourism economies.

2. Understanding the E-Bike Tourist: Who They Are and What They Need

E-bike travellers behave differently from classic cyclists. They plan differently, ride differently and spend differently.

Demographics

• Fastest-growing group: 45+ travellers

• Often couples or families

• Looking for comfort, authenticity and lightly active outdoor experiences

Behaviour on the Road

• Plan routes based on battery range, elevation and charging point availability

• Typical day trip: 30–50 km

• More than half ride in pairs

This visual explains essential e-bike trends in route planning — from battery range and charging availability to elevation profiles and stop preferences.

Industry Insights

(ATTA & ECF, 2024)

• 64% of tour operators say at least a quarter of their guests use e-bikes

• 38% of European operators report over 50% e-bike guests

• Key challenges: inflation, charging logistics, transport, and insufficient infrastructure

Motivations

• Less sport-oriented, more experience-oriented

• Prioritize safety, comfort and meaningful stops (culture, nature, food)

  
  

Conclusion:

E-cyclists are higher-spending, experience-driven tourists who demand a reliable support system — both physical and digital.

3. Infrastructure Standards: What Europe Says E-Cyclists Need

European guidelines (ECS, UNECE) already define minimum expectations for safe and enjoyable e-biking.

Charging & Service Points

Per ECS (2021):

• At least one charging point per daily route section

• A repair stand or toolkit

• Access to water and food

Navigation Standards

• Clear, frequent route confirmations

• Night-visible signage

• Distance/time information to the next charging point

Integration with Public Transport

(UNECE, 2025)

• Options to carry e-bikes on trains/buses across 75–150 km

• Digital mapping should include transit hubs

Route Safety Requirements

• Slopes: 3–6%

• Smooth asphalt surfaces

• Minimal mixing with motor traffic

• Separated lanes at higher speeds

Theft Prevention Measures

Europe registers hundreds of thousands of bicycle thefts annually(e.g., 928,000 cases in the Netherlands alone in 2023)

Recommended:

• Secure parking with surveillance

• Certified locks

• GPS-enabled tracking solutions

Conclusion:

Meeting these infrastructure expectations is essential for any region that wants to attract e-bike tourists.

This infographic summarises the future of e-biking in Europe, covering charging, signage, safety requirements, and public transport integration.

4. What Destinations Must Do: A Practical Roadmap

Based on European guidelines and best practices, tourism regions should implement:

1. Dense Charging Network

• One charging station every 25–30 km

2. Service Availability

• Self-service repair points

• Compressors, toolkits, first-aid stations

3. Standardized Signage

• Aligned with UNECE and ECS guidelines

4. Integrated Tourism Ecosystem

• Accommodation

• Restaurants, cafés

• Natural and cultural attractions

5. Safe Parking Solutions

• Theft-proof racks

• Video monitoring

• Support for GPS locks and smart tracking

6. Digitally Connected Experience

• Real-time maps

• Notifications

• Route planning tools

• Integration with charging infrastructure

7. Data & Analytics

• GIS / IoT systems for monitoring usage patterns

• Data-driven planning for funding and upgrades

Conclusion:

Destinations that embrace e-bike infrastructure will gain a competitive advantage — attracting new tourist groups with high spending power.

This visual outlines future e-biking opportunities for destinations — from integrated tourism offers to digital mapping and IoT data

5. Why This Matters: E-Bikes as an Engine for Tourism, Health & Sustainability

E-biking brings:

• Increased tourism revenue

• Longer stays and higher spending

• Health and wellbeing benefits

• Lower carbon emissions

• Development of rural and cross-border areas

• New business opportunities (charging, rental, transport, insurance, tours)

The shift is structural, not temporary — and regions that move early will gain the most.

Closing invitations to the community

As we continue mapping the rapidly growing world of e-biking, we would love to include experiences from those who are shaping it. If your destination, business or community is already creating e-bike-friendly spaces, routes or services, we invite you to share your story with us — your example can inspire others to follow.

And to all e-bike riders: if you’ve discovered charging spots, safe parking, scenic routes, welcoming cafés or helpful services, your tips can make a real difference for fellow cyclists.

Every contribution helps us bring more clarity to the e-bike ecosystem and build a future where riding is easier, safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Sources

Primary data sourced from your attached document:

Additional contextual confirmation based on:

• CONEBI Market Report 2024

• ZIV – German Bicycle Industry Association

• EuroVelo Traffic & Engagement Report 2024

• UNECE Guide for Cycle Route Networks (2025)

• ECF (European Cyclists’ Federation) Infrastructure Guidelines

• ATTA Cycling Tourism Industry Insights 2024