Vaping growth in the UK has stalled following a rapid rise in 2021, according to a new study by UCL researchers.

The study, funded by Cancer Research UK, analysed survey responses from 88,611 individuals across England, Scotland and Wales between January 2022 and January 2025, ahead of the government’s planned vaping restrictions, including a ban on disposable vapes, set to take effect from 1 June.

Between January 2022 and January 2024, before the ban was announced, the proportion of people aged 16 and over who vaped rose from 8.9% to 13.5%, with rates for those aged 16 to 24 increasing from 17% to 26.5%. However, the proportion of people vaping stayed constant between January 2024 and January 2025, including among the younger age group.

The findings also show that among 16–24-year-olds, the proportion mainly using disposable vapes fell significantly — from 63% in January 2024 to 35% by January 2025.

Retailers urged to clear single-use vapes ahead of ban

What impact has disposable vape ban had?

Lead author Dr Sarah Jackson, of the UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, said the figures indicate that the upcoming disposable vape ban may have a “limited impact on vaping rates in general”, as younger people are already shifting away from disposables and opting for “re-usable versions” rather than quitting entirely.

She said: “Action is likely still required to reduce high vaping rates, but now that the situation has stabilised policymakers may be reassured that it would be sensible to avoid stricter policy options currently under review. Some of the options being considered may be more likely to have the unintended consequence of deterring smokers from using vapes to quit smoking.

“The research cannot tell us why vaping rates have levelled off, but we have in the past seen changes in smoking habits before a policy change, with people adapting their behaviour in anticipation of a new policy.”

‘Prioritise stop smoking strategies’

Senior author Professor Jamie Brown, also of the UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, added that the findings provide reassurance to policymakers, allowing them to focus on measures such as marketing, packaging and display restrictions, which are “least likely” to undermine how helpful vapes are for people trying to quit smoking.

“It is important that these measures are introduced alongside other messaging and policies that continue to encourage and support smokers to quit smoking, such as mass media campaigns and the Swap to Stop scheme,” he said.

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