Insurance data suggests the average age of cyclists is on the rise

Last week, cycling insurance specialist Cycleplan released figures that show that the average age of policyholders has leapt up in the past year, from 41 years of age in 2022, to 48 years of age in 2023. Cycleplan reports that this year, 70% of their new customers are aged over 40, up from 49% in May 2022.

Paul Williams, CEO of Cycleplan parent company Ripe, suggests that this change in their customer base reflects a more widespread change, and believes that e-bikes are responsible. “E-bikes are helping to empower older people to take up cycling and enjoy the benefits of assisted exercise,” he said.

In addition to their customer data, Cycleplan reported the findings of their recent survey of 1,000 UK adults. The survey revealed that “45% would feel more comfortable commuting to work or making short journeys by e-bike than by traditional bicycle.

“This increases to 62% amongst the 45+ age group. Notably, respondents highlighted ease-of-use and the lower fitness level required to ride an e-bike as central reasons for this.”

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E-bikes now account for nearly half of Cycleplan’s new policy sales, and demand has increased almost three-fold in recent years. “Our data shows that between 2019 and 2022, electric bike insurance policies soared by 292%,” they reported.

Of course, the higher cost of e-bikes means it’s far more likely that cyclists will purchase insurance, but nonetheless, Williams is encouraged by the data. He suggests that government-backed schemes to lower the cost-barrier to e-bikes, like the UK government-funded ‘Making cycling e-asier’ loan scheme, could help more people access the benefits of active transport, noting that “our research shows that three-quarters of cyclists report a boost to their mental health after a ride.”