As the UK’s disposable vape ban takes effect, a significant shift towards refillable devices has been observed, with vaping habits among adults stalling and young adults opting for cheaper, long-term alternatives.
The popularity of disposable e-cigarettes or vapes has fallen ahead of a UK-wide ban on their sale, a study has found. Researchers believe vape users are switching to refillable and rechargeable vapes in anticipation of the ban.
Vaping habits among adults in England, Wales, and Scotland have stalled between January 2024 and 2025, after several years of significant growth. However, a decline has been observed in the number of people mainly using disposable e-cigarettes, particularly among young adults aged 16-24.
The percentage of people aged 16-24 who mainly use disposable vapes has dropped by nearly half in the last year, from 63% to 35%, according to University College London (UCL) research. This shift towards refillable and rechargeable devices is attributed to their longer shelf-life and often cheaper long-term cost.
Refillable vapes have gained popularity in recent years due to their eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness.
Unlike disposable vapes, refillable vapes can be reused multiple times by replacing the e-liquid cartridge.
This reduces electronic waste and saves users money in the long run.
According to a study, 75% of vape users prefer refillable vapes for their convenience and sustainability.
Refillable vapes also offer customizable options, allowing users to choose from various flavors and nicotine levels.
Refillable vapes differ from single-use vapes as they can be recharged and refilled with vape liquid. Manufacturers have responded quickly to the upcoming ban by producing rechargeable versions of their most popular disposable brands, which are similar in design, colours, flavours, and price.
Dr Sarah Jackson, lead author of the UCL Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group survey, believes that more people are turning to refillable, reusable devices rather than stopping vaping altogether. While it is too early to tell whether the government’s new strategy will deter young people from vaping, she maintains that health legislators face an issue of balance.
‘We know it makes sense to do something to try and reduce the vast numbers of young people taking up vaping,’ Dr Jackson says. ‘However, the key public health priority here does remain smoking, which is vastly more harmful and is killing a lot of people every year.’
