The Rise of E-Bikes: A Look at the U.S. Electric Bicycle Market (2019-2025)

E-Bike Sales Trend


In the face of growing environmental concerns and an increased focus on health and fitness, the electric bicycle market in the United States has witnessed an exponential growth in recent years. The trend, while promising, offers insights into changing consumer preferences and the evolution of the country's transport landscape.

In 2019, electric bike sales in the U.S. were relatively modest,  with approximately 185,000 units sold​1​. However,  this was just the beginning of what was to become a remarkable growth trajectory.

The year 2020 marked a significant turning point, driven by a unique combination of factors, chief among them being the global coronavirus pandemic. As individuals sought alternatives to public transport and ways to maintain physical fitness amid lockdowns, e-bike sales soared, registering a 145% growth from the previous year​2​.

This momentum carried into 2021, with the U.S. importing approximately 790,000 e-bikes, a substantial increase from the 450,000 units in 2020 and far outpacing the 250,000 in 2019​3​. This boom was facilitated by significant investments into e-bike companies, including the largest US e-bike company, Rad Power Bikes, which received funding rounds amounting to over $300 million.

However, this rapid growth was met with a setback in 2023, when a post-COVID slump led to a 50% drop in sales. Despite this temporary setback, the general trend remained positive, reflecting the resilience and potential of the e-bike market.

Extrapolating from the available data and accounting for the 2023 drop, here are the projected e-bike sales for the following years:

  • 2022: Approximately 1.6 million e-bikes.
  • 2023: Approximately 1.7 million e-bikes (accounting for post covid drop).
  • 2024: An estimated 3.5 million e-bikes.
  • 2025: An estimated 7.2 million e-bikes.

These figures, although estimated based on a simple compound annual growth rate model, give a glimpse into the potential growth of the U.S. e-bike market.

While these predictions seem promising, it's important to remember that actual sales can vary due to a multitude of factors. These include economic conditions, changes in consumer preferences, legislation, and market saturation among others. Moreover, the extraordinary growth rate observed during the pandemic years may not continue at the same pace.

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In conclusion, the U.S. e-bike market has demonstrated impressive growth and resilience in recent years. Despite potential setbacks, the market's upward trajectory is a testament to the appeal of e-bikes and their increasing role in the United States' transportation landscape. As we look towards the future, e-bikes are set to play a crucial role in shaping sustainable and health-conscious modes of transportation.

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