Chinese-made electric bicycles and electric motorcycles are growing in popularity in the United Kingdom for their affordable price and technological advantages, as a growing number of consumers turn their attention to green transport options amid surging fuel prices brought by tensions in the Middle East.
Since the outbreak of the conflict in late February, petrol prices in Britain have risen by nearly 20 percent while diesel has climbed by more than 25 percent, reaching three-year highs.
Against this backdrop of surging fuel costs, e-bikes and e-motorcycles have gained traction for their low running costs and greater convenience in getting around.
In Edinburgh, business owner Ross Anderson, director of Flex Electric, one of the first stores in the UK to focus on electric mopeds and motorbikes, said more and more consumers are choosing these two-wheelers as alternatives to traditional cars.
He said that foot traffic and overall sales at his shop have notably increased in recent weeks as more people look to make the move to this more efficient form of transportation.
Anderson said that there has been positive consumer feedback for the Chinese-built models, with over 90 percent of the products in his store now being from Chinese brands.
"The Chinese manufacturers are kind of ahead of the game at the moment in terms of the technology. And they're also able to produce these vehicles at a price which is affordable. Do you know what I mean? And even once you bring them into the UK, you can still offer them at an affordable price for people, so it just makes sense," he said.
Customers say they are impressed by the overall performance capabilities of the machines.
"It seems like the Chinese ones have got the same power as your regular e-bikes but more range as well, which is better. As I said, same price but you get more range and the same power," said William, a local resident.
According to a report by the Financial Times, since the outbreak of the Middle East crisis, both order volumes and the number of overseas sales outlets for Chinese electric two-wheelers have increased rapidly. Some brands from China have seen overseas sales rise by 70 percent compared to the same period last year.
While the current uncertainty in the Middle East has accelerated the shift, Anderson believes the trend is likely to continue as more people recognize the benefits of switching to these nimble vehicles as a more cost-friendly and time-saving solution.
"Last month, I think we probably had our busiest month we've ever had. And you can compare that to last year. It was almost double the sales. I see massive growth hopefully over the next few years for sure," he said.
According to data from the International Council on Clean Transportation, electric-powered vehicles accounted for 15 percent of the global two-wheeler market last year, showing the sector's considerable growth potential.
Industry insiders say that the UK electric two-wheeler market is experiencing sustained and rapid growth, with the high cost-of-living further pushing British consumers towards electric transport.
Chinese-made two-wheelers gain traction in UK amid rising demand for green transport
Chinese-made two-wheelers gain traction in UK amid rising demand for green transport
