Demand in Germany, one of Europe's largest markets for...

Demand in Germany, one of Europe's largest markets for electronic bicycles along with the Netherlands, tripled in 2010 and is set to grow by 50 per cent to 300,000 this year, according to bicycle industry association ZIV.

This attitude reflects a broader trend in Germany, where the Greens party is gaining popularity, for people to buy a range of "green", environmentally friendly products.

ZIV spokesman Stephan Schreyer said that while early E-bike models were "big, heavy and simply unsexy", new models were more attractive and some product lines had already sold out in the first four months of this year, helped by smaller motors and features like leather seats, a silver or black colour scheme and various gadgets.

E-bikes, the most popular of which cost up to 3,000 euros and weigh about 30 kg, are likely to take 10-15 per cent of the 630 million euro German bicycle market, up from 5 per cent, he said.

"Quality is important for clients today and they are more conscious of health and environmental issues," Mr Schreyer said.