E-Bikes expected to overtake sales of new cars within three years!
“We have been inundated with orders for new e-bikes” says Director of Trail Tuned, the Lower North Island Distributor for Husqvarna e-bikes, Mike Buckendahl. “In fact we’ve had to purloin, if that’s the right word, part of a shipment intended for somewhere else so that we can satisfy our customers”, continued Buckendahl.
Why the reason for this upsurge in e-bikes?
“There are probably three reasons for the increase in e-bike popularity – people feel more confident on an e-bike, particularly those who have not ridden for a while or who only ride occasionally. Secondly, and this may have something to do with all the extra physical activity families did during Covid lockdown, people are more keen to improve their health and general wellbeing. And finally, with the impact of global warming and our focus on reducing carbon emissions, many people see that by taking up e-bike riding, they are playing their part in reducing global warming” Buckendahl went on to explain.
Trail Tuned’s Mike Buckendahl’s comments are supported by the research. For example, Caroline Shaw, Public Health Specialist, University of Otago, Wellington, reports that, “People who own E-Bikes reduce their carbon emissions by around 20% – their car usage reduces by about 20%, and these figures are consistent across people who have just bought an e-bike through to those who have had one for some time”.
In terms of physical activity, Shaw’s studies also show some surprising outcomes for e-bike riders, “We know now, that people who ride e-bikes get more physical activity than people who drive cars and are far more likely to meet the National Physical Guidelines. And given that only 50% of all New Zealanders reach these guidelines, it’s important that we investigate policies that improve that (the national figure)”.
And it’s not just people who are new to riding e-bikes (or regular bikes for that matter) that improve their physical activity. Shaw went on to say, “People who swap from normal bikes to e-bikes, get about the same amount of physical activity as those who ride regular bikes. So whilst the intensity isn’t as high, people tend to cycle longer distances on their e-bikes”.
“Whilst our initial focus for e-bike sales, was the keen cyclist, particularly mountain bikers, the trend now has swung quite dramatically to the family – and to people who want to use their e-bikes not only for exercise, but also to commute”, says Buckendahl. “At Trail Tuned, as the agents for Husqvarna, who have been making bikes since 1896, we are in an ideal position to provide the best e-bikes for the most appropriate use.” Buckendahl explained.
And if you want any more motivation to try out an e-bike for commuting, the last word comes from Caroline Shaw, “We know that people who drive cars are the least happiest commuters”.
Trail Tuned seem to be ahead of the curve – they are a bike “shop” that comes to you. With their fully equipped mobile servicing unit, they specialise in servicing your bikes at your place – and for the equivalent cost of going to a shop front store. That has to be a first for New Zealand and their headquarters are here in the Manawatu! As Mike Buckendahl of Trail Tuned explains, “If you’d like to try out a new Husqvarna e-bike in the privacy of your own yard, we’ll bring one to you for a demo, at no cost, no commitment – we make it easy”.
Contact: For further information, contact Bob Selden, Family Business Central 027 565 1110 bob@familybusinesscentral.co.nz