European Bicycle Industry shows resilience and growth potential despite 2023 economic challenges

European Bicycle Industry shows resilience and growth potential despite 2023 economic challenges

Brussels, 28 June 2024 – The European bicycle industry has seen a significant growth over the past decade, driven by the improvement of cycling infrastructure and the rising popularity of e-bikes. E-bikes have become the top electric vehicle choice for European consumers, offering mobility, leisure, and health benefits. The production of pedal assist e-bikes is predominantly a European business.

In 2023, the European bicycle industry experienced a “reset”, adjusting to the broader economic reality, the exceptionally positive sales during the pandemic years and the disruptions in the supply chain. Sales declined – among several factors – due to the rising cost of living and diminished purchasing power of European consumers. Despite this, the industry demonstrated overall resilience.

CONEBI’s 2024 European Bicycle Industry and Market Profile (BIMP) report, based on 2023 data, highlights a notable decline in traditional bicycle sales and a slight dip in e-bike sales, despite e-bikes achieving over 50% increase in unit sales above pre-pandemic levels. Bicycle sales totalled 11.7 million units, down from 14.7 million in 2022, while e-bike demand remained encouraging with 5.1 million units compared to 5.5 million in 2022. Combined sales of bicycles and e-bikes amounted to EUR 19.3 billion, reflecting an 8.9% decrease from 2022.

Production saw a sharper decline in response to reduced sales and last year’s overstock as a result of the disruptions in the supply chain. CONEBI deems that the overstock issue might be resolved in 2025, paving the way for a production increase afterwards.

Significant investments have been made in production capacity, with new factories and warehouses being built in various EU countries. Investments remained strong at over EUR 1.9 billion in 2023, slightly below the EUR 2.1 billion recorded in 2022, reflecting continued confidence and dedication to growth.

On the other side, the industry – comprising over 1,200 companies across Europe – saw a decrease in employment figures in comparison to 2022: on average, -5,5% from the previous year. It must be noted that such a decrease differed significantly from country to country.

While some markets are more developed, others are yet to experience the bicycle and e-bike mobility revolution. CONEBI remains optimistic that the European market will continue its overall upward trend through 2030, with a significant increase in demand anticipated. To achieve this market growth, a supportive political environment is essential.

“Effective policies at the European level – within the framework of the European Green Deal and of a solid EU Industrial Strategy – like the recent European Declaration on Cycling and the report on the Transition Pathway of the Mobility Industries – are essential to boost both cycling and the cycling industry across Europe. The CONEBI national member organisations have a pivotal role in this too,” stated Massimo Panzeri, CONEBI President.

For further details or to obtain a copy of the 2024 European Bicycle Industry and Market Profile featuring 2023 data, please contact Mathias Hierl at mathias.hierl@conebi.eu.