Bicycle sales have slowed sharply in Europe in 2022 after strong growth at the heart of the pandemic, but electric bicycles have continued to explode, the European Confederation of the Cycle Industry (Conebi) said on Tuesday.
The electric bike in vogue
14.7 million non-e-bikes were sold in 2022 in the EU and UK, down 9.1% from 2021.
But electric bicycles (VAE) reached a record figure of 5.5 million units (+8.6%), with Germany, France and the Netherlands leading the dance.
One in four bicycles sold in Europe is therefore electric.
“The future remains bright”
Since pedelecs are sold at a much higher price than “muscle” bikes, the decline in sales has not prevented overall turnover from increasing: it reached 21.2 billion euros (+7.4% in one year). year).
” The European industry has shown remarkable resilience in 2022, despite the significant decline in sales of traditional bicycles, and the logistical problems that have continued since the start of the pandemic “, commented in a press release Erhard Buchel, president of Conebi and producer of accessories for cycles.
” The future remains promising. We are encouraged by the focus on sustainability as well as the progress of European production “, continues Mr. Buchel.
The number of bicycles produced in Europe fell slightly, to 15.3 million bicycles (-5% over one year), but the number of pedelecs produced increased sharply, to 5.4 million units (+19% ).
This industrial sector represents 180,000 jobs, while the 60,000 bicycle shops represent 200,000, according to Conebi.
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