According to data from the Traxio association, in 2023, electric bicycles in Belgium held a market share of 51.2%, surpassing traditional bicycles for the first time. However, bicycle sales experienced a decline, with a 12.9% decrease in Belgium’s bicycle sales in 2023, totaling 606,000 units, although still higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Traxio indicates that electric bicycles have experienced rapid growth in recent years, playing an essential role in daily commuting. In 2023, nearly 39% of Belgian workers used bicycles for commuting, marking a 1.7% increase from 2022. Belgian regulations require employers to provide bicycle allowances to their employees, making bicycle commuting increasingly common in the workplace. Furthermore, road regulations have allocated more space for bicycles, contributing to their further popularization.
Clear Trend of Electrification
The trend of electrification is evident, particularly in the sports sector. In 2023, electric sports car sales reached 8,154 units. At the same time, sales of e-bikes with a long tail nearly doubled, reaching 6,328 units, making them more popular in the market compared to cargo bicycles due to their lighter characteristics.
However, mountain bike sales experienced a significant decline, dropping from 88,943 units in 2022 to 54,096 units in 2023. This change is primarily due to a shift in consumer preferences, as they tend to opt for gravel bikes, a combination of classic racing and off-road mountain biking. Gravel bike sales reached 19,225 units last year.
Strong Consumer Purchasing Intent
Despite the overall decrease in bicycle sales due to the broader economic environment, the Belgian bicycle market continues to exhibit steady growth. According to a survey conducted by Traxio at the end of 2023 with 2,000 Belgian respondents, nearly half (47%) expressed willingness to purchase new bicycles. Among them, electric bicycles are more popular, with 46% for pure electric bikes and 18% for hybrid mechanical and electric bikes.
Furthermore, a survey of user purchasing channels reveals that traditional bicycle shops (43%) and sports equipment stores (29%) are the primary channels for consumers to buy new bicycles, with second-hand bikes not being favored by consumers.
At the recent Velofollies trade show, gravel bikes were also seen as a major mainstream trend in the market. These types of bicycles typically offer better off-road performance and adaptability to various terrains, satisfying consumers’ outdoor adventure and challenge needs. Additionally, the bicycle market is moving towards diversification and digitalization, with smart technology becoming increasingly common in bicycles. From handlebars and lights to locks, all equipment can be connected to users’ devices via applications, providing more convenient operation and management.
Overall, Belgium’s electric bicycle market shows steady growth, with electric bicycles driving the market’s growth while other types of vehicles are also gradually increasing in sales, reflecting consumers’ demand for diversified cycling experiences.
