Bicycle: Impressive Statistics of 2022

The Cycling Market Observatory has revealed industry figures, showing a significant increase, continuing the trend of previous years.

Timeless, the bicycle continues to win the hearts of the French. In 2022, the French bicycle market reached €3.6 billion in revenue, a value that keeps rising. Since the lockdown, cycle sales have rebounded strongly, +25% in 2020, and now, an increase of 7% in 2022 compared to 2021. The same year also marked a 15% growth.

Electric bikes dominate discussions

They are easy to use, and electric bikes dominate the industry. More than 738,000 pedal-assist bicycles (VAE) were sold last year. This figure represents a 12% increase compared to 2021. For comparison, according to Statista, in 2010, 38,000 electric bikes were sold in the country.

Why such an increase in VAE sales?

The average price of a VAE is €1,965, a figure stabilizing after a decade of increases. In 2017, an electric bike still cost on average €1,564, according to Statista.

An government aid of up to €400 is now available when purchasing an electric bike. However, conditions must be met, such as a taxable income per share less than or equal to €6,358, or being in a situation of disability. Another bonus is available for taxable income per share below €14,089, up to €300.

With this bonus, a VAE at the average price could cost as little as €1,565, roughly a 25% reduction from the initial price. There are other aids offered by the region you live in. For example, Île-de-France Mobilités offers assistance up to 50% of the maximum price with a limit of 500 euros for an electric bike.

In comparison, sales of non-assisted models declined by 12% compared to 2021, despite aid up to 150 euros.

Aids and stabilized bicycle prices are enabling the cycling market to grow.

Read also: Road Safety Report: Bicycle and E-scooter Fatalities on the Rise!