2023 challenges European e-bike markets

2023 challenges European e-bike markets

Undeniably European e-bike sales took a step back last year. In 7 European countries who already reported their market statistics for 2023, the total volume decreased by 8%, from 4,555,264 units in 2022 to 4,178713 last year.

In this online magazine a summary is provided of the key market data in what was a difficult year for the industry. Also, the latest export figures from Taiwan give a good indication of how the market will develop in 2024. Here, there are small signs that the freefall is over and market stabilisation is on the horizon.

Highlights in this latest online magazine (Issue 32 | May 2024) include:

  • European e-bike sales take step back
  • Key markets remain positive despite sales decline
  • Sign of freefall in Taiwan e-bike exports levelling out

E-bike adoption in the US has been slow, particularly for commuter use. – Photo Shutterstock

Can US e-bike sales reach 50% market share by 2030?

FRANKFURT, Germany - The fact that the US e-bike market is lagging behind European counterparts is well-known within the industry. A forecast based on a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30% over the next 7 years could see the US e-bike market reach 6.7 million units and match regular bicycle sales in 2030. This data presented at Eurobike by eCycleElectric however, represented the most optimistic scenario.

As crowded warehouses facilitated a huge dip in e-bike imports, now for the first time in 12 months the number of units imported into the EU matches the same level as the previous year. – Photo Bike Europe

Rising e-bike imports signal market recovery in EU-27

ZEIST, The Netherlands - With 81,353 e-bike units imported into the EU-27 in the month of May, this almost matches the 83,000 units imported in the same period as last year, the latest Eurostat data shows. No doubt encouraging another sigh of relief for the bicycle market in Europe, e-bike imports per month have only continued to rise in 2024.

Burkhard Stork of German industry association ZIV presented the latest data in the day before Eurobike opens its doors. -Photo Bike Europe

ZIV at Eurobike opening: 'German e-bike market fully back on track in...

FRANKFURT, Germany - Despite reports of ongoing high inventories in the market, German trade organisation, ZIV, presented an optimistic outlook during a market update on the day before Eurobike fully kicks off in Frankfurt. "Sales of e-bikes remain at a high level, and the overall market situation is characterised by healthy consumer demand," ZIV managing director Burkhard Stork stated when advocating the significant growth potential for the industry.

Due to the lack of any financial incentive, urban cycling is not a common sight in Spain. – Photo Bike Europe

Spanish bicycle market drops for the second year in a row

MADRID, Spain - The mismatch between supply and demand has hit the Spanish bicycle industry very hard. Significant stockpiling has been taking place at both distributors and stores. This situation has not been balanced out yet as the 2023 market statistics show. Still, the Spanish industry association AMBE who presented the market data is still confident about the future market. AMBE also noted that 2024 will still be a difficult year for the industry.