Transportation Consumer Insights

Trend - Given that portability is not often a concern with cargo bikes, electric bike brands are launching e-tricycle SKUs designed for hauling cargo. Adding the third wheel enables these trikes to hold a greater payload capacity while remaining sturdy, particularly when compared to regular cargo e-bikes.

Insight - As more consumers enter the e-bike space, the availability of unique SKUs in the market continues to grow in an effort to address as many desires of subsets of consumers as possible. One prominent group of e-bike riders prides themselves on using micromobility solutions as replacements for full-size cars. These consumers prioritize modularity, reliability, and other features that replace functions of vehicles. In order to appeal to this demographic, e-bike brands are releasing cargo e-trikes.

Trend - Brands in the micromobility space are further embracing sustainability through the incorporation of hydrogen fuel cells. When compared to lithium-ion batteries, these fuel cells charge significantly faster, use fewer resources, and are less prone to heat-induced damage.

Insight - Consumers who get into the micromobility space do so for a variety of reasons, often related to either convenience, cost, or environmental concerns. While traditional bikes offered these benefits over gas-powered vehicles as well, electric bikes boast more utility for these consumers, leading to many regarding them as vehicle replacements. Brands in the space are now pushing both the convenience and environmental friendliness even further by crafting ebikes with hydrogen fuel cells.

Trend - Automotive manufacturers are launching new vehicles inspired by retro designs. These cars blend retro aesthetics with modern features, such as electric engines, network connectivity, or motion sensors. Often limited-edition products, these vehicles capture nostalgia without compromising on comforts.

Insight - While more consumers adopt electric vehicles (EVs) each year, there are still large subsets of drivers that prefer traditional gas-powered vehicles. Whether due to aesthetics or function, these consumers are hesitant to adopt EVs, despite these vehicles often being more environmentally friendly, having lower costs of ownership, and having more modern features. In an attempt to accelerate EV adoption amongst these consumers, brands are tapping into retro designs to capitalize on nostalgia.

Trend - Electric bicycle manufacturers are using bamboo in place of aluminum for frames to improve sustainability. Bamboo is lightweight and malleable for bike frames, while also being biodegradable. By using bamboo, brands are aiming to reduce their carbon footprints and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

Insight - Each year, more consumers turn to electric micro-mobility solutions rather than gas-powered vehicles. This is often due to rising costs of gas, dense traffic, and environmental concerns. This has led to an increased amount of micromobility repair stores, as well as increased development of public charging infrastructure to mitigate battery constraints. In recognition of this environmental trend, bike brands are furthering their sustainability by turning to materials such as wood and bamboo.

Trend - Electric bike brands are launching foldable cargo bikes to blend portability with function. These bikes have high payload capacities but are not overly cumbersome. These bikes are designed as vehicle replacements for urban commuters due to the versatility of the hybrid design.

Insight - Younger consumers in cities and urban environments often find that vehicle ownership comes with an array of stressors stemming from maintenance fees, parking costs, and traffic, amongst others. The micro-mobility industry aims to address these concerns, offering scooters and bikes with features designed to avoid the root cause of the aforementioned stressors. Consumers are gravitating toward products that are designed with city environments and these stressors in mind.

Trend - Electric bicycle manufacturers are creating new e-bike models designed specifically for children under the age of 13. These bikes have simple controls, low max speeds, and extensive safety features, as they are designed to help new young riders familiarize themselves with e-bikes.

Insight - Training children to be able to perform regular everyday tasks, such as tieing shoes or riding a bike, can be challenging for some parents. Some parents struggle with approaching training from a methodological standpoint, and instead gravitate toward products that can make training far easier, investing in informative books or physical aids such as training wheels. Brands are modernizing the bike training process for the modern influx of e-bikes.

Trend - E-bike and battery manufacturers are creating wireless charging solutions for convenience and durability. These components have fewer moving parts, require less maintenance, and are intuitive for new riders, lowering the barrier-to-entry for e-bike adoption.

Insight - As electric bicycle adoption continues to rapidly accelerate in North America, Europe, and Asia, companies are continually trying to get ahead of industry trends and meet demands early. One of the reasons customers are drawn to e-bikes is convenience. These bikes require less work than manual bikes to ride, though they require more maintenance to care for the battery and components. In addressing this, brands are launching wireless chargers for e-bikes that enhance convenience.

Trend - Brands are releasing smart inflation devices in ultra-portable form factors. These inflators provide instant support for bikes, cars, and inflatables without requiring wall connectivity. These also include smart pressure indicators, making them easy to use without prior experience.

Insight - The micro-mobility space continues to grow in popularity with the modern consumer. Electric bikes and scooters offer a level of convenience beyond that of a traditional bike or full-sized car due to the ease of use, low entry-cost, and ease of maintenance. However, consumers are still often faced with maintenance challenges, such as stuck chains or deflated tires. As a result, these consumers are investing in ultra-portable service kits as reliable contingency plans.

Trend - eBike manufacturers are releasing bikes equipped with generative artificial intelligence (AI) to make riders experiences more streamlined. These AI enable hands-free navigation, media control, and physical bike adjustments, such as seat height. These AI enhance safety and comfort for riders.

Insight - eBike manufacturers often hold to rapid release schedules, with several quarterly or seasonal releases each year. Manufacturers in this space continue to innovate, offering unanticipated features in trying to capture the ever-growing micro-mobility market. On the other hand, customers in this space are drawn to products with high safety and performance ratings without compromising on price or convenience. These consumers are willing to try new features to have a better experience.

Trend - Brands in the micro-mobility space have begun using hydraulic braking mechanisms in e-bikes and e-scooters. These brakes are more expensive than standard mechanical brakes but are safer and more reliable when braking at high speeds, which are more often achieved by e-bikes and e-scooters.

Insight - Traditional bike consumers are familiar with maintenance and small repairs on their bikes. However, consumers drawn to e-bikes and e-scooters are more motivated by convenience and are less willing to perform maintenance to ensure the bike is in perfect working order. These consumers are willing to pay larger premiums upfront to not spend on maintenance costs downstream, leading to brands using premium alternatives for components that are more prone to fail.