Despite lower current participation, women are significantly more likely than men to say they have cycled in the past and would consider doing so again. This highlights a significant untapped…
UK
Retail
Sports
simple
UK Cycling Market Report 2025
"There is an opportunity for brands to shift their focus away from purchase towards subscription, lease or rental, to open up access to cycling to more people."
Interest in alternative access models is growing, with over two-fifths of current and potential cyclists open to subscription-based packages that include a bicycle, insurance, tracking, and servicing. This shift away from traditional ownership paves the way for more inclusive and flexible cycling experiences.
Expanding off-road cycling options and embracing the second-hand market present major growth opportunities for the UK cycling market. Initiatives such as rides in public parks and certified pre-owned schemes can lower entry barriers, build brand loyalty, and attract younger or financially constrained consumers.
Adverse media coverage around e-bike safety, particularly battery fires, continues to suppress demand. Misreporting and confusion between legal e-bikes and illegal e-motorcycles have damaged consumer confidence, posing a significant challenge to growth in this high-potential segment.
This Report Looks at the Following Areas:
The high cost of bicycles, especially e-bikes, remains a major barrier to wider adoption
Negative media coverage and safety concerns are negatively impacting e-bike sales
A lack of safe cycling infrastructure continues to deter potential cyclists
There is strong consumer interest in alternative access models like subscriptions
The gender gap in cycling participation presents a growth opportunity among women
Physical retail stores are losing ground to online channels like Amazon
The second-hand bicycle market is growing and offers potential for brand engagement
Report Attributes
Details
Published Date
October 2025
Report Author
Michael Oliver, Senior Retail Analyst
Data Range
2019-2030
Consumer Data
2,000 internet users aged 16+, July 2025
Popular types of bicycles owned
Road bike, E-bike, Mountain bike, Hybrid bike, Classic/traditional/city bike, BMX bike
Develop new income streams through more innovative subscription and lease/rental schemes
Tap into second-hand market potential
The e-bike opportunity
E-bike brands should focus on accessibility and addressing safety concerns
Anti-theft innovation could allay fears
Graph 6: agreement with statements relevant to e-bikes, 2025
Shifts in channel usage are undermining physical stores
Amazon gains share: how store-based retailers can fight back
Graph 7: where bicycles and parts, clothing accessories bought in the last 12 months, 2025
Potential for further growth in D2C channel
Future prospects for bicycle sales
No change in adult purchasing intentions for the next 12 months
Graph 8: consumers’ purchase intentions to buy a bicycle for themselves, 2023-25
Champion cycling for children to build participation and brand awareness
Graph 9: parents intentions to buy a bicycle for their child(ren) by age of child(ren), 2025
Look outside cycling to harness power of social media
INNOVATION AND MARKETING
Innovation
Raleigh launches e-bike with membership featuring anti-theft and remote update features
Shimano’s Q’auto brings electronic gears to everyday bikes
UTO’s Afternoon Pro takes folding bikes to a new level
CycleSaver enables bike share users to access the Cycle to Work scheme benefits
Marketing
Majority of adspend is on social media
Graph 10: top five brands by advertising expenditure on bicycles and accessories, 2024-25*
Ads focus on ease and style to appeal to women
APPENDIX
Market definition
The market
Forecast methodology
Forecast methodology – fan chart
Market size and forecast of bicycles – value
Market forecast and prediction intervals, bicycles – value
Market size and forecast of bicycles – volume
Market forecast and prediction intervals, bicycles – volume
The consumer
Consumer research questions
Consumer research methodology – EMEA
Repertoire analysis methodology
Innovation and marketing
Advertising and marketing
Bicycles and accessories advertisers allocate most of their advertising budgets to social channels
Other data source methodologies
Nielsen Ad Intel coverage
Abbreviations
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