France

Market highlights

The French bicycle industry is in a period of change, with the government investing in bringing more bicycle production back to France. In terms of sales, France saw strong growth during the pandemic years and has since invested in good cycling infrastructure in cities. Despite the strong presence of Decathlon, independent bicycle retailers account for the largest share of retail value.
E-bike market share:
30%
Industry Association:
Cixi already displayed its’ Pers technology at Eurobike in 2024 in a collaboration with Ateliers Heritage bike on a two-wheel drive e-MTB. – Photo Cixi
France

Cixi's chainless bicycles enters series production in France

ANNECY, France - After 10 years of research and development and a €19 million investment, active mobility developer, Cixi has announced that its Pers chainless technology is ready to hit the market. The first four bicycles featuring PERS technology will be available for purchase at this year's Eurobike.

2,900 e-cargobikes were dedicated to last-mile delivery in France in 2024, according to a report from the Professional Cyclomobility Observatory. – Photo Shutterstock
Cargobike

Cargobikes at the heart of urban transformation in France

PARIS, France - With already 3,400 cargo bikes and 600 trailers used by approximately 650 businesses in France, this alternative to conventional utility vehicles is gaining traction a study led by the French association Les Boîtes à Vélo has found. The 2024 report from the Professional Cyclomobility Observatory sheds light on this growing trend, revealing promising figures and ambitious prospects for the sector.

Delivering groceries is very demanding and requires more from a cargo-bike than what’s possible with a standard model. – Photo Formula
Innovations & products

Formula and Ello Mobilité partner in Carrefour cargo bikes

PRATO, Italy - Delivering groceries transporting up to 100kg and covering around 80 kilometers a day demands more from a cargo-bike than what's possible with a standard model. Italian engineering firm Formula and Ello Mobilité took up the challenge and built a fleet of bikes for French supermarket giant, Carrefour.

“The French government puts the production relocation of bicycles in France in jeopardy.” – Photo Union sport & cycle
Retail

France eliminates all subsidies on bicycle purchases

PARIS, France - The budget crisis in France which led to a lot of political turmoil recently has a big impact on the bicycle and e-bike industry as well. With no previous warning, the Government announced that all state subsidies for the purchase of bicycles and e-bikes will be eliminated on very short notice. The 'Alliance for Cycling' warns of a significant consequence of such a decision for the whole cycling industry.

Every year, over 20,000 e-bikes are given a general overhaul in a refurbishment process developed in-house by Rebike and certified by TÜV Rheinland.  - Photo Rebike
Investment

Decathlon partners with Rebike Mobility for more circular e-bikes

LILLE, France - Decathlon Pulse, the investment arm and start-up studio of retail giant Decathlon, and Rebike, well known in the DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) for the refurbishment and sale of second-hand e-bikes, have teamed-up through an investment to boost refurbished e-bike sales in Europe.

Rebirth Group will invest €12 million to modernize the Cycleurope factory in Romilly-sur-Seine. Then, the group plans to develop the Gitane and Peugeot Cycles brands. – Photo Cycleurope
Interview

Rebirth Group CEO: "A new 4.0 factory will be established in 2026"

ROMILLY-SUR-SEINE, France - Grégory Trébaol, founder of the Rebirth Group, has become the new owner of Cycleurope Industries SAS based in Romilly-sur-Seine, France after the Grimaldi Group decided to divest this unit. In this interview with Bike Europe, the executive explains why he wanted to acquire Cycleurope's factory in France. He also discusses the strategy and investments planned for the next two years.

In the new situation, the Corima management will be taken over by its co-founder, Pierre-Jean Martin. – Photo Corima
Mergers & Acquisitions

Look Cycle Group disinvests Corima to focus on pedals and bikes

LORIOL-SUR-DROME, France - Look Cycle Group has announced the sale of the high-end carbon bicycle wheel specialist Corima. The two companies formed together in 2016 when Look Cycle became the owner of Corima. In 2022 the two companies fully merged but have now split up again effective 30 September 2024.

The ownership of the Cycleurope France production facility including the brand Gitane and license agreements for Velo & Oxygen and Peugeot has changed ownership. – Photo Cycleurope.
Financial

Cycleurope Group sells Romilly-sur-Seine factory to new owner

ROMILLY SUR SEINE, France - The operation of Cycleurope Group and Grimaldi Industri AB in France will be taken-over by the Rebirth Holding SAS as of 7 October. In a short announcement Cycleurope reports the transfer of 100% ownership to Rebirth Holding SAS for an undisclosed amount.

The Cyclescore label is a new standard aimed at promoting the French cycling industry while addressing environmental and societal challenges. Two tags will be available, one for regular bikes and one for e-bikes. – Photo Cyclescore
Sustainability

France introduces consumer-facing ESG label about bicycle...

PARIS, France - French bike organisation Filière Vélo has introduced the 'Cyclescore' label, a new standard aimed at promoting the French cycling industry while addressing environmental and societal challenges. "It's a voluntary label that aims to provide the best information to consumers," said Florence Le Gall, general delegate of the Filière Vélo.

“We should not underestimate the importance of passion in this industry. It is a highly valuable asset,” says Mavic CEO Alberto Morgano. – Photo Bike Europe
Interview

Mavic CEO: "wheels will always be our core business"

ANNECY, France - The choice for Alberto Morgando as new CEO by Mavic owner Bourrelier Group last March was the next step in the reorganization of the company. After working together with Jean-Michel Bourrelier on Mavic's future business plan Alberto took up the responsibility of implementing the plan. What can the industry expect from Mavic?

Decathlon’s bike procurement director Didier Morelle left the company. – Photo Union Sport & Cycle
People

Decathlon bike procurement director Didier Morelle resigns

LILLE, France - One of the best known Decathlon executives in the bicycle industry, Didier Morelle has announced his departure from the French retailer. In the past decades, he became a well known face in the international bicycle industry, holding various positions at Europe's largest bicycle retailer, lastly as bike procurement director.

Despite its location in Toulouse, south-west France, Pro Days welcomed over 2,000 visitors. – Photo Pro Days
Shows & Events

International flair to Pro Days edition in Toulouse

TOULOUSE, France - Due to the Olympic games in Paris, the Pro Days organiser, Département Beauté, had to find a new location for the 2024 edition. The company opted to hold the event in Toulouse from June 23 to 25 at the MEETT venue. Despite the shift, Pro Days managed to remain attractive for a growing number of international visitors.

In 2022, Shimano decided to join forces with logistic’s provider Kühne+Nagel. – Photo Shutterstock
Supply chain

Shimano supply problems ongoing since transfer to Kühne+Nagel

TESSENDERLO, Belgium - The delivery problems at Shimano Benelux have arisen since warehousing and distribution was outsourced to logistics service provider Kühne+Nagel in 2023. Although Shimano did not give any reasons for the delivery problem, sources indicate that the 'mismatch' between both IT systems is the main cause of the problems.

A 3D view of the Cibox factory in Revin, with an annual capacity of 150,000 units. – Photo Cibox
Production

Cibox shifts production from China to new facility in France

ALFORTVILLE, France - E-mobility company, Cibox, is relocating its production from China with the creation of a production and assembly factory in Revin, France. The site, which will be operational in July, will assemble 150,000 units a year, produce batteries, and provide after-sales service and recycling. At the same time, the plant will manufacture Cibox's brand, Yeep.me, and for other brands.

Europe's main bicycle markets had to swallow significant losses in a challenging year. - Photo Bike Europe
Market Report

European e-bike sales take step back in 2023

ZEIST, The Netherlands - Undeniably European e-bike sales took a step back last year. In 7 European countries which have 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.

According to a study by the French association Vélo et Territoires, bicycle use increased by 5% in France by 2023, especially in the big cities. - Photo Cycling MontpellierSubscribers only
Subscribers only
Market Report

Subscribers only Like many countries in Europe, the French market recorded losses in...

PARIS, France - After four years of strong growth, the French market value of bicycle, parts, and accessories combined decreased by 5.5% in 2023. "There's a dichotomy between bicycle use, which is still growing steadily, and new bike sales, which are running out of steam this year," explained Jérôme Valentin, vice president of the Union Sport & Cycle at the presentation of the 2023 market data.

Currently, approximately two-thirds of the components used in the production of bikes are imported from outside of the EU. – Photo Decathlon
Market trends

Decathlon urges politicians to implement European Cycling Declaration

LILLE, France - In the run-up to the upcoming European Parliament elections from 6-9 June, sporting goods producer and retailer Decathlon calls upon politician to deliver a circular, competitive, and active future across the EU. That includes the European Cycling Declaration, though the sporting goods giant outlined a series of policy recommendations and key priority areas.

The investment fund was announced by Industry Minister Roland Lescure (middle) and Minister for Transport Patrice Vergriete (left). – Photo Ministry of Transport
Production

France opens €55 million investment fund for bicycle industry

PARIS, France - The French government has called for investment projects to take the country's bicycle industry to the next level, both in quality and quantity. The program is part of the government initiative to support innovation and modernization of the transport sector in France by 2030.