This weekend in Brussels oversees the seventh edition of the Bike Brussels fair at Tour et Taxis with a focus on innovation and sustainable mobility.
During a press conference at the annual event, the sector federation Traxio Velo revealed a decline of 4.73% in bike sales compared to the year previous, with 540,356 bicycles sold in 2024.
Several factors explain this drop in sales, including an unpromising economic context. The federation cited geopolitical tensions, volatile stock markets, and the European manufacturing industry under pressure as hindrances to purchasing investment goods like bicycles.
Additional reasons include lingering effects of Covid-19, such as stock surpluses leading to cash flow issues, and unusually rainy weather in 2024.
Despite these factors, the federation is optimistic about 2025. "We believe this year has started well," said Traxio spokesperson Filip Rylant. He noted that most Covid-related impacts have been resolved and more people have access to 'cafeteria plans', boosting sales of 'speed pedelecs' and electric bikes.
According to a study by Transport&Mobility Leuven, the Belgian bicycle economy has shown growth of almost 90% in the last eight years and is likely on track to remain stable.
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Traxio Velo also highlighted the rise of electric bikes, which now make up the majority of market sales at 51%. In 2023, for the first time in Belgium, electric bike sales surpassed mechanical bike sales. This trend continued into 2024 despite a 4.6% sales decline from the previous year. These predictions align within this year's theme of the prioritisation of sustainable mobility.
Gravel bikes, folding bikes, and electric longtails saw the best growth figures, with increases of 8%, 5%, and 4% respectively, concluded Traxio Velo.
