.png){kind=small}
Yesterday the European Declaration on Cycling was signed in Brussels, signalling a significant advancement for cycling in the EU. The declaration is one of the most ambitious EU-level commitments on cycling ever. It represents what is only the start of much wider policy and social change within the bloc and its member states. The document outlines 36 commitments aimed at establishing cycling as a strategic priority throughout the EU.
Transport Ministers from all 27 EU member states signed on to the Declaration that touches on topics from development and infrastructure to accessibility and safety. The document makes it clear that cycling stands to play a vital role in helping people live happier, healthier and more connected lives. This coming shift could help to clean and quiet our cities and combat climate change. The EU has set a target to be net-neutral by 2050.
“For the first time, the bicycle is recognised as an element of mobility policy at the European level."
- Georges Gilkinet, Belgian deputy prime minister
The entire cycling world is set to evolve, and likely grow, on the tail of future policy and monetary changes. Yet as the relative two-wheeled new comers, e-bikes in particular stand to further cement themselves. This is clear from the Declaration: 8 of the 36 points have direct consequences for e-bike riders and the locations they travel to.
Read on as we unpack what each of these declarations might mean for e-bikes.
The Declaration reads: We commit to...
4. encouraging companies, organisations and institutions to promote cycling through mobility management schemes such as cycle to work incentives, the provision of company (e-)bikes, adequate cycle parking and facilities, and the use of bike-based delivery services
TLDR: Make it easier for people to choose (e-)bikes. Buy-in from private and public organizations - both to enable ridership but also offer storage and charging infrastructure - will be critical here. Expect EU incentives to help - build it and they will come (via bike).
7. taking measures to enable better access to cycling for people with disabilities or those with reduced mobility
For those with physical limitations, e-bikes, trikes and scooters can be an empowering option to increase personal mobility. New infrastructure, including charging and storage, will need to be designed with this demographic in mind. One in four Europeans have some form of disability.
10. taking note of the possibility for Member States to apply reduced VAT rates for the supply, rental and repair of bikes and e-bikes as introduced by Council Directive (EU) 2022/54210 in order to increase affordability
E-bikes are not cheap, with the average bike retailing for 2,000€. Yet a combination of supplier economies of scale, market efficiencies, and a reduced tax burden could make e-bikes affordable to an entire new demographic of riders. With market share already above 50% in many countries, expect to see many more sold in the years to come.
15. ensuring the provision of safe and secure bike parking spaces in urban and rural areas, including at railway and bus stations and mobility hubs
22. improving security at public bike parking spaces (including bike sharing and multimodal hubs), and increasing efforts to tackle the issue of bike theft
Again, e-bikes are not cheap! E-bike theft continues to rise with "17% of stolen bicycles in a 2020 survey from the Netherlands and 23% of stolen bicycles in a recent survey from France". As more and more riders choose to go electric, safe battery charging & storage will be needed to deter theft of these pricy rides.
Enhancing security at both private and public bike parking spaces will be essential for mitigating the risk of theft. Businesses offering secure e-bike storage solutions may see increased demand as a result (this is why we partner with businesses to offer public charging).
16. supporting the deployment of charging points for e-bikes in urban planning and in bike parking spaces inside and outside buildings
This one is close to our heart. Supporting the inclusion of e-bike battery charging in urban planning and bike parking spaces will enhance accessibility and convenience for riders, driving more even e-bike usage. Why drive in traffic when you could bike in less time and charge at the office or gym?
21. ensuring that the rules on the safety requirements applicable to e-bikes are substantial, and promote their deployment
E-bike's have an image problem. Between concerns around fire safety and high bike speeds, the industry needs to contend with the fact that it needs to do more to build trust in this technology. We'll see EU members taking a more active role with new battery-specific legislation in the coming years.
29. supporting cycling service industries, such as bike sharing and cycle logistics, especially in cities, including by strengthening the integration of cycle logistics into the logistics system
Strengthening the integration of cycle logistics into the transportation system will likely lead to increased demand for e-bike-based delivery services, consequently driving the need for reliable battery charging and storage solutions for commercial e-bike fleets.
Tangible policy changes as a result of the Declaration are realistically still many months or even years away. Businesses on the other hand can, and should, start planning for the changes now.
You can read the full text of the European Declaration on Cycling for more info.