WA fuel crisis: Soar in bike repairs as Perth locals dust off bikes and purchase e-rideables amid fuel crisis

Desperate Perth drivers crippled by the fuel crisis are dusting the cobwebs off their old bikes and even upgrading to electric in a bid to save cash in the cost of living crisis. Cycle repairers are seeing a soar in servicing demand, with more people coming in to get their pedal bikes repaired for a cost-effective alternative to driving, while other outlets have reported a recent sharp spike in demand for e-rideables. Bicycle Industries Australia general manager Peter Bourke said it was a win-win for WA bike shop owners with more consumers opting for an e-bike but many also getting their old bikes out of the garage amid higher fuel prices. “Suddenly it’s time to dust off the cobwebs and get back on the bike,” he said. “It’s actually been fantastic for shops because they’re selling bikes but their workshops are absolutely flat out at a time when, generally, they’re looking to ease off a little bit because they’ve got past the summer rush. “Without a doubt, fuel has been one of the driving factors. “E-bikes are becoming more appealing because even though people consider an e-bike a bit of a cost, with the price of fuel at the moment it doesn’t take long for that money to be returned to the wallet.” Wembley Cycles’ Brad Serls said the repair workshop was booking out more quickly, and was receiving a consistent stream of customers looking to service pedal bikes they had not ridden for a while. “We’ve noticed a lot more people pulling out their old bikes and bringing them in to get them fixed up,” he said. “We’re seeing about five to six walk-ins a day on top of the workshops.” WA’s peak bike riding body WestCycles said the shift towards pedal bikes for commuting may reflect broader economic pressures, such a cost-of-living increases, higher petrol prices and rising public transport fares — promoting people to view cycling as a cost-effective alternative to commuting. According to the 2025 National Walking & Cycling Participation Survey, about 43 per cent of WA riders used their bike for transport in 2025 – the highest proportion on record. Those riding for recreation and fitness has dropped from about 90 per cent in 2013 to 74 per cent in 2025. Nedlands Glen Parker Cycles owner Dennis Lightfoot said the increase in customer bike repairs has also extended to sales — specifically of e-bikes. “We’re used to selling about two to three e-bikes a week, in the past 10 days we’ve sold 27. So that’s a huge increase for us,” Mr Lightfoot said. He said the uptick came almost immediately after the fuel price ticked above $2 per litre. “There’s a lot of older people and retirees making the purchases. It seems to be something they had been thinking of buying for a while, but the fuel crisis gave them that extra push to buy one,” he said. “But this week I’ve noticed more of the commuter type of person coming as they’ve checked their bills and realised how much extra it’s now costing to get to work and back.” Mr Lightfoot said the shop’s repair service was also busier, with workshops typically getting booked up two weeks in advance. “People are starting to add up the figures of how much fuel is costing them. So looking at more effective ways to travel, like riding a bike, is making sense to people,” he said. 99 Bikes has also seen a huge increase in e-bike interest with a 75 per cent year-on-year surge in WA sales in just the last month. General manager David Miller-Heidke said e-bikes were offering a solution to the transport hurdles many West Australians were facing. “We are definitely seeing fuel spikes turn e-bike considerers into owners,” he said. “It’s clear to us that commuters are choosing e-bikes as a genuine, accessible solution to rising transport costs and a more predictable way to get to work.” Evolution Bikes servicing has been consistently busy for several months — not just amid the fuel price rise — and the store continued to see a steady sale of its e-bikes, which range from $999 up to $13,500, an employee said. Top 5 tips for getting back on a bike: 1. Finding a bike: Any functioning bike can get you from A to B. But if you need to upgrade the two-wheels, it’s important to take a moment to consider the best option for your cycling preference. From road bikes, mountain bikes to e-bikes, each have their positives and negatives, so best to check in with an expert if you’re unsure. 2. Safety first: It’s illegal to ride a bike without a helmet, so it’s important to have a reliable helmet that fits well and buckles up. Ensure the helmet doesn’t shake and you can fit two fingers on your forehead between the helmet and your brow. 3. Before you go for a ride, make sure you do the ABC check: · A: make sure there is air in the tyres · B: make sure the brakes work well · C: make sure the chain is running smoothly 4. What to wear: Despite the weather getting colder, the sun is still strong. Remember to slip slop slap, wear appropriate and comfortable clothing, and double tie your shoelaces so they don’t come undone mid-cycle! 5. Know your route. If you’re getting back on your bike after a while, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with Perth’s the bike path network. You can plan your journey at the Your Move’s Interactive Journey Planner website which will provide the best route with relevant bike paths and trails along the way.