Online magazine

Bike Matrix, Noca, BikeFolder are just a few of the new ventures that have emerged over the past few years with a focus on data management in the bicycle industry. These companies have clearly identified a gap in the market at a time when digitalisation is becoming increasingly relevant in the value chain. The automotive industry has successfully automated data management, but the bicycle industry lags behind, impacting revenues, value chain transparency, and growth. Is change coming?

For reshoring production and improving market flexibility by manufacturing in Europe instead of Asia, the central European countries have always played a key role. Although no country has taken a leading role, like Portugal, that does not mean that the region plays a secondary role within the industry. Several new facilities were started in recent years and existing ones upgraded their output quality.

The fact that a major player like Accell Group has been struggling under a burden of heavy debts gives a clear indication of the difficulties in the market. The manufacturer saw its turnover decline 10% from €1.43 billion in 2022 to €1.3 billion in 2023 as sales declined across major European markets and inventory levels remained high.

Whereas spring 2023 didn't offer an upturn in e-bike and bicycles sales, setting the course for much of the rest of the year, market indicators are suggesting that 2024 could be the year of stabilisation within bicycle market. Major indicators in the Netherlands and Germany are already pointing towards slow but steady recovery in these major 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.

The Taipei International Cycle Show is always a good moment to take stock of the market situation, but this year 'Taipei' prepares the business to become a 'better' industry and put its focus on sustainability and other ESG topics. Besides the current market conditions, this online magazine also explores several Taiwanese companies who have started adopting ESG solutions in their production practises as the industry prepares for the future.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly integrated into business practices in the bicycle industry. Be it at a manufacturing, distribution or company policy level, the bicycle industry is no longer resting on its laurels of having a 'green' product to sell to the public.

In a competitive market, drive system manufacturers have focused on various strategies during 2023. Development has focused on both an optimal riding experience and integrated technologies. After electrification, connectivity is the new standard for high-end and mid-range e-bikes, meaning a new generation of smart mobility devices are being created. Also an increasing average retail price and rising e-bike thefts have given a boost to the market of digital anti-theft devices. In this online magazine the latest innovations are explored.

In recent years an increasing number of bicycle companies have opted for close to market production in Europe. Spurred on by the need for a consistent supply chain following issues during the pandemic, investments in European manufacturing continue to grow. As noted in this online magazine, Eastern Europe is becoming popular with Lithuania, Poland and Romania all enticing new investments from bicycle manufacturers. But not only here, Germany, France and Portugal are taking efforts to step up 'Made in Europe' bicycle production.

The European bicycle market ended up in the inevitable correction phase after the corona related sales boom. It goes without saying that this situation was expected, the question was only, when? While 2022 sales are lower than 2021 throughout Europe's main markets, the e-bike continues to drive the market. What's happening? This Online Magazine examines the market developments in 2022 and the impact this has on product developments expected at Eurobike.