Source: Nieuws Fiets

Rising popularity of electrified two-wheelers in the Netherlands continues.

The number of bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles in the Netherlands is steadily increasing. With a fleet totalling 26.2 million two-wheelers, the Dutch population increasingly views these vehicles as practical and affordable transport solutions.

The number of bicycles has grown from 22.3 to 24.1 million since 2010, with bicycle use also rising significantly. In 2023, people in the Netherlands cycled a collective total of 19.1 billion kilometres, an average of 1,065 km per person. Ten years ago, this was 902 km per person. The rise in kilometres travelled is linked to the growing use of electric bicycles, which allow people to cover greater distances. These figures are drawn from the latest edition of ‘Mobility in Figures Two-Wheelers 2024,’ published by the RAI Association and BOVAG.

Strong demand for e-bikes keeps 2023 sales stable

Of the 804,101 new bicycles purchased last year, 56% were e-bikes, with 453,219 units sold. The increased share of e-bikes raised the average purchase price in 2023 to €1,815, a two percent increase over 2022. The high demand for e-bikes and their elevated average price maintained overall turnover in the bicycle market in 2023, even though the number of bicycles sold dropped slightly by six percent. Notably, the Netherlands, alongside Germany and France, leads the European e-bike sales market.

Decline in moped sales as motorcycle popularity soars

The introduction of the helmet requirement for moped riders in 2023 clearly impacted sales, leading to a decline. However, electrification within the moped and scooter market has continued to accelerate, with nearly 35,000 new mopeds and scooters sold in 2023, 42.4% of which were fully electric.

Motorcycle sales reached a new peak, growing by 13% to 17,472 machines – the highest level since 2000. The 800,000th motorcycle was registered in 2023, marking a record high for the Dutch motorcycle fleet. Motorcycling is especially gaining traction among younger people, with a 30% increase in new motorcycle sales in the 18-25 age group. This popularity is further reflected in the growing number of motorcycle licenses obtained, particularly within the youngest age bracket (18 to 20 years).