Some 600,000 electrically assisted bicycles (VAE) were sold in France in 2021, according to the latest figures provided by the Union Sport & Cycle which represents professionals in the sector.
Nearly 2.8 million bicycles were sold in France in 2021, an increase of 4% in volume over one year, with turnover driven by the explosion of electric bicycles, indicated Tuesday April 5, 2022 l Union Sport & Cycle. Electrically assisted bicycles (VAE) effectively set a new record at 660,000 units sold, an increase of 28% over one year.
In a total market of more than 3.4 billion euros, including parts and assistance, bicycle sales have grown by 15% in value compared to 2020, underlines the Union in a press release. “Bicycling is now firmly rooted in the mores of the French and has become a real alternative to other means of transport”, welcomes the representative of professionals in the sector.
Propelled by the transport strike at the beginning of 2021 and then by health restrictions, the sector was nevertheless severely disrupted last year by shortages of parts, logistical problems, increases in transport costs and raw materials. In two years, cycle sales have increased by 43%.
1 in 4 bikes is electric
VAEs now represent nearly one in four bicycles sold in France, and 59% of the market in value, with an average selling price of 1,993 euros. The average price of classic bicycles is 423 euros (+7% over one year).
This increase mainly benefits multisport brands such as Decathlon or Go Sport, which represent two-thirds of bicycle sales volumes but remain behind on pedelecs compared to cycle specialists.
In addition, sales of mountain bikes fell slightly (-8%), as did sales of folding bikes (-21%), while sales of children’s bikes remained stable.
The production of bicycles in France has increased sharply in 2021, to 804,744 units (+25%), of which almost half are pedelecs. The Union plans to approach one million in 2022, with a majority of VAE.
Imports increased by 20% in 2021, mainly from Portugal, Italy and Romania.