E-bike and bicycle trends 2024: The start of the 2024 cycling season is getting closer. A lot is happening, especially in the e-bike market. We summarize current developments for you.
The e-bike year 2024 seems to be clearly dominated by the so-called “light e-bikes”. This refers to models that weigh less than 20 kilograms thanks to smaller batteries and more compact motors. Examples for the urban environment are the “Upstreet SL" from Flyer and for the sporting sector that Bulls Sonic Evo AM SX-I. Is the time of powerful drives and long ranges over? Not at all. “From our point of view, this is not a counter-trend, but rather a new field is being opened up.”says Silas Furrer, product manager at the Swiss company E-bike pioneer flyer. The powerful e-bike with a long battery range remains in demand among certain buyers, but an additional field is being added, which is intended to open up new user groups - both in the urban area and in the sporty segment. Due to the smaller batteries and rigid forks instead of suspension forks, the bikes are also cheaper to produce and you can no longer see the e-assistance in some models, which makes the topic even more interesting.
The demand for the lighter models in retail and also among end consumers is currently extremely high. The manufacturers have adapted to this and expanded their range accordingly. However, the experts also say that the lightweight models are not suitable for every type of driver. Beginners and less sporty riders may find it difficult to climb climbs with the lighter models. Unlike e-bikes with powerful motors, riders have to have more strength and endurance.
Further alternatives for the cargo bike
Cargo bikes remain a trendy topic for urban use. The segment is constantly growing and becoming more and more diverse. Three-wheeled models like that FUB 3W from Winora or two-wheeled ones like that Kettler Cargoline with Child Carrier are designed to meet the needs of families with small children. However, the bikes require more space when parked and are therefore not an option for all cyclists. So-called utility bikes are coming onto the market as an alternative. These are characterized by a compact design, usually with small wheels, and many luggage options. With the CS 150 from Ca Go You can even transport crates of drinks. This variety of options shows that bicycles are becoming more and more valued as a means of transport.
More total weight for the trailer
Trailers are now available for transporting children (e.g. “Kid Vaaya” by Croozer), loads (e.g. B. Yak from BOB) and even dogs (e.g. B. “Dog Enna” by Croozer). Suspension versions are also possible, with which children can ride comfortably on tours in the forest and on easy terrain (e.g. B. “Singletrailer II Touring” from Tout Terrain).
Due to the higher total mass to be transported, the segment of e-bikes is growing, which have a permissible total weight (bicycle, luggage and rider) of 180 kilograms, such as this “Gotour 3” by Flyer. These bikes in turn require a larger battery and more powerful motor, which increases the weight of the bike. Furrer explains that the 180 kilogram total weight will not become the standard for e-bikes in the future - even though people are getting taller and heavier. The demands on the individual bicycle components and the frame are too high to be transferred to every model and to carry out the corresponding tests. Nevertheless, manufacturers are reacting to the development and increasing the permissible total weight for e-bikes. For many models it is already 140 kilograms; a few years ago it was 120 kilograms.
E-bike trends 2024: Versatility is trend
The new developments are a clear sign that the e-bike market is constantly changing. While e-trekking bikes were initially the largest segment, according to sales figures from the Two-Wheeler Industry Association, e-mountain bikes are now (e.g. Shuttle AM from Pivot) most commonly sold. So-called crossover models like this have been in growing demand for a long time “Kemen SUV” from Orbea. Here, off-road suitability is combined with full equipment, which creates a comfortable bike for both daily commuting and weekend tours in easy terrain. Each segment has its specific customers, which manufacturers have to adapt to. There are also constant innovations in engines and components.
Digitalization drives e-bikes
Digitalization does not stop at the e-bike market either. Interfaces with smartphones are now standard, be it for software updates, security features or tracking functions. Younger groups of buyers in particular would be open to the topic and would therefore be increasingly concerned with e-bikes and their technology. Solutions like that “Motor Gearbox Unit” – MGU for short – from Pinion provide spurts of innovation.
With the MGU, the engine and manual transmission are built into one unit, which ensures that the drive is as maintenance-free and long-lasting as possible. Additional features such as a semi-automatic switching function increase driving comfort. With additional digital functions from the provider Fit E-Bike System Integration, the motor power can also be individually adjusted. Depending on your tour profile, you can decide whether you want a setting in the individual support modes that allows either more support or more battery range. On the other hand, however, there are still the purists who would like to forgo such technical options. In the end, full-range providers must have an answer to every usage question, with smart solutions becoming more and more popular. “Twenty years ago, very few people would have thought that a bicycle needed a motor, especially not on a sporty MTB”, Furrer draws a comparison to e-bike history.
E-bike trends 2024: The colors of the season
Technology is one thing, fashion is another. In order to increase purchasing interest through visual incentives, color specialists are developing various concepts based on the situation in society as a whole. For the 2024 season, the focus is on muted colors due to the mood of crisis. But in Germany there are differences in color: While more colorful designs are sold in the south, more muted colors such as matt black, green or matt gold are in demand in the north. That's why many manufacturers offer their e-bikes in two or more different frame colors.
High-priced items continue to be in demand
The current consumer restraint as well as the economic and political crises are not leaving the e-bike market unscathed. There is a noticeable reluctance to buy, many warehouses are full and specialist retailers, but also some manufacturers, are advertising attractive offers. Innovations and technical developments can help boost sales. Quality and comfort are important selling arguments. It turns out that the high end is doing better in the crisis than the middle class and the entry-level range. Financing options such as leasing, subscription or installment payments make purchasing a high-quality e-bike interesting.
Conclusion e-bike trends 2024
If you want to buy a new e-bike for the 2024 cycling season, you will be spoiled for choice. The e-bike market is now extremely differentiated. From the classic, comfortable city e-bike to the sporty, lightweight e-racing bike, there is something for every type. “Manufacturers are coming onto the market with very exciting, innovative products that will open up new user groups”, predicts Silas Furrer. It is exciting to see that luggage transport is playing a growing role and that the e-bike, especially through light models and utility bikes, is becoming more prominent as a car replacement in urban areas and that there are also other options in addition to the cargo bike. This is an important pointer for the industry in relation to the politically desired transport transition. It is important for those interested in buying to get to grips with the bike they want and test different variants.
The article on the topic of e-bike trends 2024 was created in collaboration with Press service bicycle.