After record demand during the pandemic years, disrupted supply chains, and a subdued consumer climate, the European bicycle industry is experiencing declines in sales, production, and employment in 2023. Despite these challenges on the path to a new normal, many industry participants remain optimistic about the future of bicycling as a mode of transportation and the associated demand. The Eurobike, which opened today in Frankfurt, sees itself as an ideal platform for key issues of the bicycle industry and ecomobility, with expanded exhibitor and visitor target groups, new collaborations, and a qualitatively improved program.
In the 27 EU states and the UK, sales of pedelecs decreased by seven percent in 2023 compared to the previous year, totaling 5.1 million units sold. Including the non-motorized bicycle market, sales were down 16.5 percent from the previous year with a total of 16.8 million units. According to market data from the Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI), Germany is the strongest overall market and the most important market for pedelecs, followed by France in both categories. The UK ranks first in bicycle sales ahead of Germany. The European markets generated revenue of 19.3 billion euros for the bicycle industry, 8.9 percent less than in 2022. Manufacturers produced 12 million bicycles and pedelecs in the 27 EU states and the UK. The bicycle industry provides around 170,000 direct and indirect jobs across approximately 1,200 companies, many of them small and medium-sized enterprises. Employment has thus decreased by 5.5 percent compared to the previous year.
"In 2023, the European bicycle industry experienced a 'reset' as it adapted to the fundamental economic reality, the extraordinarily positive sales figures during the pandemic years, and disruptions in the supply chain. Sales declined, partly due to rising living costs and lower purchasing power among European consumers. Nonetheless, the industry showed overall resilience, and the outlook for increased bicycle use remains very promising," said Manuel Marsilio, General Manager of CONEBI, regarding the development.
Optimistic outlook on the future
Survey results from Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) are also considered a positive sign for the industry. Fifty-two percent of members expect higher revenues in 2024 compared to the previous year. There is also cause for optimism from European politicians.
"Cycling has never had a stronger political moment in Europe. The European Declaration on Cycling, adopted in April, recognizes the bicycle as an inclusive, affordable, and economically successful means of transportation and recreation. The current EU budgets allocate 4.5 billion euros for infrastructure spending, a figure expected to increase with additional funds from other EU and member state budget allocations. With this incentive, our members are looking optimistically to the future. Almost two-thirds plan to maintain or increase their spending on assets, innovation, and marketing," explained CIE General Manager Kevin Mayne.
The European market is pioneering in many areas of the industry and shows good potential for increasing local production and attracting new branches of international companies. Joshua Hon, founder and team captain at bicycle manufacturer Tern Bicycles, sees several directives for the bicycle industry and its stakeholders:
"It is important for all of us in the bicycle industry to adapt, evolve, and innovate. This includes products, of course, but also critically examining our existing business models," said Hon on behalf of the industry.
To create the right conditions for a successful future for the bicycle industry, resilient supply chains, sustainability, and clear and transparent standards and regulations are the focus of the industry. It is essential to target existing and potential cyclists with the right messages and marketing strategies.
Micromobility in Duet: Unity at Eurobike
With more than 1,800 exhibitors, 150,000 square meters of exhibition space, and a diverse and high-caliber conference and lecture program, Eurobike offers the perfect setting for global exchange to advance these themes that are so central to future success. Stefan Reisinger, Managing Director of Eurobike organizer fairnamic, explains: “The bicycle and ecomobility industry is a key to health, fitness, sustainable mobility, and thus quality of life everywhere in the world. With this strong unity, the industry can ideally continue its success story at Eurobike 2024.”
Florian Walberg, founder and CEO of e-scooter manufacturer Egret, complements the press conference panel as a representative of the ecomobility industry and sees Eurobike as the central trade fair for his sector. E-scooters are strongly associated with sharing providers in public perception, although they make up only a fraction of the vehicles produced in this segment. Those who use the vehicles privately usually take them into their homes or offices. The e-scooter industry often shows significant overlaps with the bicycle industry in areas such as drives, brakes, and batteries.
Translated automatically from German.“E-scooters and bicycles complement each other perfectly in the mobility mix. While bicycles are often used for medium and long distances, e-scooters are the perfect vehicles for short distances, the so-called “last mile.” Both forms of mobility pursue the same goal: to make people mobile and to alleviate traffic situations in cities. This is also evident in the fact that retailers increasingly offer both vehicle classes side by side. I am pleased that the bicycle and e-scooter industries are acting in partnership, and that with Egret at Eurobike, we are not only exhibitors on an equal footing but also representatives and points of contact for our industry,” explains Florian Walberg.
Elektromobilität , Newsletter Elektromobilität , IAA Mobility , SUVs und Geländewagen , Hybrid , Antriebsarten, Kraftstoffe und Emissionen , Oberklasse- und Sportwagen , Carsharing , Autonomes Fahren (Straßenverkehr) , Ladeinfrastruktur , Verkehrspolitik , Formel E , Brennstoffzellen , Fahrzeug-Vernetzung und -Kommunikation , Fahrzeuge & Fuhrpark , Automotive-Messen & Veranstaltungen , Pkw, Kompakt- und Mittelklasse , Minis und Kleinwagen , E-Auto-Datenbank, E-Mobilität-/Automotive-Newsletter, E-Auto-Tests