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2024 report reveals e-bikes are continuing to shape modern mobility in Germany

27/01/2025

3 minutes

Source: Saz Bike

E-bikes have solidified their position as a key part of modern mobility in Germany, with significant growth in usage and notable contributions to sustainability in 2024.

A comprehensive report released by IoT Venture GmbH analyses the latest trends, environmental impacts, and challenges associated with e-bike usage across the country.

Surge in e-bike usage

The report shows an increase in e-bike activity in 2024, particularly during the third quarter of the year. Based on data from over 100,000 GPS trackers, the majority of e-bike trips were recorded on weekdays, especially from Tuesday to Thursday, with the average ride lasting 19 minutes. Weekend rides tended to be slightly longer. Even in colder months, e-bike use remained resilient, with over two million kilometres ridden in the fourth quarter alone.

Findings also revealed that some e-bikes were in near-constant use throughout the year. Among the six most-used e-bikes, each were operated on 357 or more days in 2024, reflecting their integral role in daily mobility.

Sustainability achievements

E-bikes continue to demonstrate their potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional vehicles that require fossil fuels for transportation. On average, e-bike trips in 2024 saved 399 grams of carbon dioxide per journey, culminating in 963 tons of CO2 reductions among the most active users. To put this into perspective, a car produces approximately two tonnes of CO2 annually over 15,000 kilometers. The CO2 saved by e-bike users in 2024 is equivalent to avoiding over 481 years of car emissions.

Regional trends and theft concerns

Urban centres remain at the forefront of e-bike adoption. Frankfurt, Cologne, and Berlin led in terms of trips per capita, with Hamburg and Munich following closely behind. However, theft remains a pressing issue, particularly in large cities which account for 82% of reported cases. Smaller towns and rural areas reported significantly lower theft rates, at just 1.4% and 2%, respectively.

The report also highlights peak theft times, with most incidents occurring in the early morning around 7 a.m. or during the afternoon between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The third and fourth quarters of the year recorded the highest theft rates.

Maintenance and repairs

E-bike maintenance also saw seasonal trends, with a decline in repairs early in the year followed by an increase towards year-end. This suggests that consistent upkeep remains crucial for ensuring reliable e-bike performance.

As e-bikes continue to gain traction across Germany, their role in fostering sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions is becoming increasingly evident. However, challenges such as theft require ongoing attention to ensure the continued growth and safety of e-bike usage.

For further details, the full IoT Venture report can be accessed online.

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