The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) reported the results of its recent survey assessing ebike system suppliers. 

With the ebike category reportedly experiencing unprecedented growth, the trade Association of Independent Bicycle Dealers said the feedback it gathered from over 552 bike retailers across North America provides “invaluable insights into supplier performance and retailer satisfaction.”

NBDA said the survey, open until March 29, 2024, received an overwhelming response from the respondents. The association asked retailers to rank ebike system suppliers based on overall quality, satisfaction, training, brand recognition, attractiveness, service timing, warranty and support, maintenance, and batteries.

“We recognize the crucial role that E-bike system suppliers play in the success of our industry,” said Heather Mason, president of the NBDA. “By participating in this survey, bicycle retailers have contributed significantly to our understanding of the strengths and areas for improvement among E-bike system suppliers.”

The standout from the survey was the Bosch eBike Systems, which received top rankings across all categories. NBDA reported that Bosch has been “at the forefront of innovation in ebike drive systems for over a decade, offering top performance, quality and digital services that shape the future of ebike mobility.”

“We are proud to see Bosch eBike Systems recognized as the leader in overall satisfaction and quality,” said Claudia Wasko, VP/GM Americas at Bosch eBike Systems. “Delivering top reliability, quality and product safety is part of our Bosch heritage, and our commitment to being a service-led organization remains unwavering.”

While the NBDA noted Bosch in its report as a frontrunner, other notable system standouts include Shimano, Specialized Turbo, Giant Sync Drive, and Bafang.

Key insights from the NBDA’s survey analysis include:

  • Bosch was the key favorite in overall quality, receiving five times more votes than other ebike brands, including Shimano and Specialized Turbo.
  • Bosch also led in satisfaction, with Shimano following closely behind.
  • Top performers in technical training included Bosch, Shimano and Bafang.
  • Consumer brand reputation favored Bosch, Giant Sync Drive, Specialized Turbo, Fazua, and Shimano.
  • Respondents highly rated service and warranty support for Bosch, Shimano, Specialized Turbo, and Giant Sync Drive.

Retailers emphasized the importance of warranty, support and training provided by ebike system suppliers, highlighting the Independent Bicycle Dealer’s (IBD) central role in the customer experience.

For more survey results and information about the National Bicycle Dealers Association and its initiatives, go here.

Image courtesy Bosch