Two-wheeled electric vehicles will be the next big thing according to clean tech market intelligence firm Pike Research.

More than 466 million electric motorbikes, scooters and bicycles will be sold worldwide by 2016, an annual growth of 9% per year.

Currently, 98% of the world’s electric two wheelers are sold in China but changing social attitudes may see them become a global phenomenon.

Industry analyst Dave Hurst said he believes these changing attitudes create a strong market opportunity.

“In some countries, these vehicles will be engines of economic growth,” Hurst said.

Pike Research expect China to continue to dominate the market with 95% of sales while demographic, social and economic changes will encourage market growth across the globe.

eBikes are likely to dominate with 56% of the market with eMotorbikes at 43% and eScooters an unpopular 1%.

According to the report the largest barrier to eBike domination is a lack of distribution channels for their products.

It is hoped online sales will at least maintain sales until manufacturers can find an effective combination of independent dealers and mass retailers.