Market recovery emerging in 2024

Market recovery emerging in 2024

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.

When Eurobike opens its doors in early July, it will be clear whether the market performance in spring has contributed to the long-awaited clearing of the warehouses. This would give the industry the much-needed room for new investments and the implementation of forward-looking strategies. Even if this is the case, industry insiders expect the market to go forward in very small steps.

Highlights in this latest online magazine (Issue 33 | July 2024) include:

  • Industry to gauge market sentiment at Eurobike
  • European benchmarks offer positivity for retailers
  • Bicycle producers continue to struggle in Q1

Cambodia’s e-bike export in units is still small, but production has made a remarkable start this year. - Photo Council for Development of Cambodia

Cambodia gradually shifting exports from bicycles to e-bikes

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia - The slow recovery of the Cambodian bicycle export to the European Union prompted the country's five assemblers to look for new markets. The once leading importer of bicycles into the EU-27 is also facing fierce competition of other major bicycle exporting countries like China and Bangladesh.

“Last year, about 2% of Phatfour’s sales were designated for export; now that’s 40%,” states Phatfour founder Mels van Hoolwerff. – Photo Diederik van der Laan / Dutch Photo Agency

Dutch fatbike makers eye export markets as local sales implode

ZEIST, The Netherlands - Dutch fatbike manufacturers are experiencing a drastic decline in demand following the uproar surrounding e-bikes with fat tyres in the country. Phatfour's sales in its home market are currently about 75% lower than last year. Local competitor, Urban Mobility, the company behind Doppio, recently filed for bankruptcy. Can export markets offer a saviour for Dutch fatbike bands?

Between 2023 and 2024 there has been a significant shift in market share between new and second-hand speed pedelec sales in Belgium. – Photo Upway

More Belgians opt for second-hand as speed pedelec sales falter

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Over the first nine months of 2024, registrations of second-hand speed pedelecs in Belgium increased by +17.4% compared to the same period in 2023, and by +39.3% compared to 2022, according to figures released by trade association Traxio. However, for new speed pedelecs a reverse trend is seen as sales dropped 17.9% compared to 2023.

VeloBank predicts that the market development of e-bikes may be faster than in the established markets. - Photo Chrostowski Rowery

Polish e-bike market value close to € 300 million

WARSAW, Poland - The total value of the Polish e-bike and bicycle market combined is expected to reach PLN 4.9 billion (€1,13 billion) in 2024. Also the sale of e-bikes has started to increase significantly and is already valued at PLN 1.25 billion (€ 289 million).