Tag Archive: bicycle industry

  1. E-bikes account for majority of the Austrian bicycle market

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    Source: Saz Bike

    Austria’s Arge Fahrrad bicycle association has published its 2024 sales figure for the Austrian market, reporting the region as having the largest share of e-bikes in Europe.

    After the number of e-bikes sold surpassed non-electric bikes for the first time in 2023, sales figures have since increased by 5% for 2024, accounting for 57% of the overall Austrian bike market, equating to the highest share in Europe. Meanwhile, in Germany e-bikes took up 53% of its market in 2024.

    Austrian bicycle market in recent years

    As the German bicycle market experienced a decline in 2024, its neighbouring country Austria also had a slight decline in bicycles sold compared to the previous year (-6.1%). However, the Austrian market has had an overly positive year like previous years, with 2024 sales generating €1.055 billion, the fourth time in a row that Austria’s market has exceeded one billion Euros.

    The role of subsidies in Austrian bicycle sales

    Although many countries have experienced challenging economic conditions since the pandemic, following Austria’s introduction of subsidies it has experienced a continued uptick in e-folding and e-cargo bike sales, with a sixfold increase in the number of company bicycles since 2022.

    Until 2024, Austria’s e-mobility initiative, a joint cooperation of the Federal Ministry for Climate Protection with the sports and bicycle trade, offered up to €900 in subsidies towards the purchase of a new e-cargo bike and up to €500 for an e-folding bike, resulting in 13,300 electric bicycles being subsidized. From these positive increases, the Arge Fahrrad (Bicycle Working Group) is hoping for an extension in subsidies.

    Bicycle industry stakeholders campaign for an extension in e-bike subsidies

    Hans-Jürgen Schoder, spokesperson for the Arge Fahrrad, commented on the status of the overall bicycle market, with recommendations on how to strengthen it. “We predicted the decline due to the challenging economic conditions, which naturally have a negative impact on consumers’ purchasing power. But it is significantly smaller than expected; especially with e-bikes, we have some strongly growing segments, which makes us very confident. This makes it all the more necessary to create a political framework that will strengthen domestic purchasing power and get the economy going”.

    Michael Nendwich, spokesperson for the sporting goods trade at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and managing director of the VSSÖ has commented on the need for subsidies to continue: “On the one hand, there is strong demand and added value in the domestic sports and bicycle trade. On the other hand, there has been a strong increase in sustainable electromobility for commuters, transport, and many other journeys using e-bikes for years. This is a tandem that must absolutely continue on the road to success. Reviving the successful subsidy models for (e-)folding bikes and (e-)cargo bikes, which expired last year, is imperative. These are a game changer for sustainable mobility – even in an economically difficult year with cautious consumers. The repair bonus also contributes to the bicycle trend,”

    Anticipated Austrian bicycle market status for 2025

    Schoder from Arge Fahrrad maintains an optimistic outlook for the current season for the industry and retail as other bicycle markets are also increasing their market share. “The bicycle is not only an important and reliable economic factor in Austria, but also a consistent trendsetter. E-mountain bikes have been stable for years and are even still slightly increasing at a high level. The fact that we are still able to gain market share and new fans for gravel bikes (+12.7 percent) and road bikes (+20.8 percent), even in economically difficult times, makes us confident for the future. The initial feedback from our retailers regarding Easter business is also cautiously optimistic. Industry and retail have done their homework, are always in close contact with our consumers, and we hope for another strong year for cycling in 2025,” Schoder concludes.

  2. Belgium’s bicycle industry worth almost €1 billion

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    Source: FPS Mobility of Transport

    FPS Mobility and Transport publishes a new study, conducted by Transport & Mobility Leuven (TML) on Belgium’s cycling economy and its socio-economic effects on the nation.

    In Belgium, cycling is seen as an important part of its society and economy with its numerous benefits, however there haven’t been many studies analysing its economic impact, leading to its Minister of Mobility Georges Gilkinet requesting for it to be studied.

    Findings from TML revealed that in 2022, Belgium’s bicycle sector achieved a total net value of €951 million with nearly 18,000 full time employees. With these results, it has been noted that the sector has grown by almost 90% in the previous 8 years, and that it still has great potential to grow even further.

    Gilkinet commented the following of the published findings: “By creating jobs and prosperity, the bicycle sector has important economic benefits for our country. Thanks to this study, we have a complete and objective picture of this for the first time. But above all, this study highlights the enormous growth potential of this sector. It will help policymakers to make the best choices for the future, not only in terms of mobility, but also in terms of the economy and public health.”

    The study included the following findings:

    COVID-19 boosted cycling popularity

    The COVID-19 pandemic played a key role in accelerating the shift toward cycling in Belgium, as social distancing measures led to a preference for individual transport options. This trend, combined with the rise of e-bikes and supportive government policies, significantly increased the adoption of cycling as a mode of transportation.

    Diverse and growing cycling industry

    The cycling sector encompasses a wide range of activities, including bicycle production, sales, rental services, tourism, logistics, infrastructure, insurance, and events. In 2022, the cycling economy’s net added value was highest in cycle tourism (€214 million), infrastructure development (€207 million), and bicycle sales (€214 million). The sector’s employment rate grew by 147% since 2015, with logistics (7,021 FTEs), tourism (3,358 FTEs), and sales (2,813 FTEs) as the top job creators.

    Electric bicycles drive sales and industry growth

    For the first time, electric bicycles accounted for over half (51%) of all bicycle sales in 2023, totaling around 620,000 units. The surge in e-bike popularity has increased the average bicycle price from €1,244 in 2019 to €1,915 in 2023, indicating a 31% real increase. The convenience of electric assistance for longer distances and hilly terrains is a major factor behind this shift.

    Future growth and professionalisation

    To sustain the cycling sector’s growth, the study suggests improving infrastructure, enhancing bike availability, and implementing favorable policies, such as tax incentives and mileage allowances. The most impactful scenario involves encouraging 15% of employees to lease bicycles, which could generate €750 million in additional income, benefiting related industries like parts, accessories, and insurance.

    Rosanne Vanpée, Senior Researcher at TML, commented, “Every 1,000 leased bicycles generate €2.8 million in net value and 27 full-time jobs annually.” It has also been noted that active commuting improves physical and mental health, resulting in broader economic gains for workers and society.

    TML’s study findings underscore the cycling sector’s crucial role in Belgium’s economy, with ample opportunities for further growth and sustainable development.

  3. Half a million jobs attributed to the German bicycle industry

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    The T3 Transportation Think Tank and bicycle trade association Zukunft Fahrrad have announced their study on Germany’s bicycle industry in the context of its economy from 2019-2023.

    Source: Zukunft Fahrrad

    The study has been cited as the first of its kind in documenting the overall effect of Germany’s bike industry on employment. It revealed that although Germany’s economy experienced a difficult time in 2023, its bicycle sector remained resilient with increases in sales and employment.

    It has been reported that approximately 491,000 employees serve the German bicycle sector through the trade, manufacturing, service sectors and cycling tourism, and found that an employment increased from 2022-2023, with direct employment in bicycle trade, manufacturing and services rising from 75,100 to 77,500.

    E-bikes and bicycle leasing helping to provide stability

    Services have been standouts in improving economic growth in the trade with a 25% employment increase, and a 23% turnover increase. Company bicycle leasing has also helped industry growth for higher value e-bikes, and increasing e-bike popularity as a whole has been significant for economic growth.

    Wasilis von Rauch, Zukunft Fahrrad’s Managing Director comments on the study’s significance for Germany, “The 2024 industry study measures the bicycle industry even more extensively than in previous years. And it shows the economic factor that the bicycle has in Germany. Around half a million people find employment as a result. Germany’s future is already riding on two wheels,”.