Vapers Plan To Stockpile Disposables

In a follow-up to its November 2024 report, Vape Superstore surveyed over 500 adult vapers to understand how attitudes have evolved.

Key survey findings:

• Vapers using a disposable as their primary device: decreased from 66% to 43.1%
• Vapers planning to stockpile disposables: increased from 25.2% to 70.3%
• Vapers considering reusable devices: increased from 45% to 53%
• Considering a return to smoking after ban: decreased from 14% to 8.1%
• Considering buying disposable black market vapes: decreased from 6.9% to 3.8%

The data paints a complex picture: although primary use of disposables dropped from 66% to 43.1%, the number of people planning to stock up ahead of the ban has nearly tripled – from 25.2% to 70.3%.

“What we’re seeing is a shift from regular dependence to panic-driven stockpiling,” said David Phillips, lead content writer at Vape Superstore. “While many vapers say they plan to switch to reusable options, the fear of losing convenience, flavour variety, and simplicity is driving a rush to hoard disposables.”

80.8% of respondents use between one to five disposable vapes per week, with a further 16.1% using six to ten, underscoring how embedded these products are in daily routines. For many, the move to reusable kits feels daunting. Over 61% cited the ‘complexity’ of devices – such as needing to refill e-liquids or change coils – as a key deterrent to switching, suggesting a significant knowledge gap that may hinder adoption of longer-term, sustainable options.

Environmental factors also featured in the survey. 53.5% of respondents still dispose of vapes in the bin, and more than 65% are unaware of existing recycling options – though nearly 78% say they'd participate if one was made available. 

As consumers brace for change, Vape Superstore says it is committed to helping vapers make informed choices, offering a wide range of beginner-friendly pod kits, e-liquids in a wide range of nicotine strengths and step-by-step guidance for those making the switch.

David Phillips continued: “Our survey highlights just how reliant many vapers have become on disposables – and how urgent the need is for education and support during this transition. With the right guidance, reusable alternatives can provide a sustainable solution to disposables. But without it, we risk a rise in illicit sales or even a return to smoking – the very behaviour vaping was meant to help people avoid.

“Change can feel overwhelming, especially for those who rely on the simplicity of disposables. Our goal is to remove the barriers and confusion, offering straightforward alternatives that maintain the same satisfaction, flavour, and convenience – without the environmental impact or future restrictions.”

References:

• Vape Superstore - https://www.vapesuperstore.co.uk/ 

Photo Credit:

• Author created image

Dave Cross

Journalist at POTV

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Dave is a freelance writer; with articles on music, motorbikes, football, pop-science, vaping and tobacco harm reduction in Sounds, Melody Maker, UBG, AWoL, Bike, When Saturday Comes, Vape News Magazine, and syndicated across the Johnston Press group. He was published in an anthology of “Greatest Football Writing”, but still believes this was a mistake. Dave contributes sketches to comedy shows and used to co-host a radio sketch show. He’s worked with numerous start-ups to develop content for their websites.