Bike Sales Drop 24% in Europe – But Is the Cycling Boom Really Over?

For years, cycling has been celebrated as one of the most sustainable and health-friendly ways to get around.

Yet despite growing talk about greener cities and smarter urban transport, the European Union saw a sharp drop in bicycle production last year.

In 2023, EU countries turned out just 9.7 million bicycles – a steep fall of 24% compared to the 12.7 million produced in 2022.

So, what’s behind this sudden dip, and does it spell the end of Europe’s cycling momentum?

The Numbers Behind the Slowdown

Eurostat’s latest figures reveal that 14 out of 17 EU nations reported a decline in production for 2023. The biggest drops came from major players:

• Romania – Down 1 million units, now producing 1.5 million.
• Italy – Lost 0.7 million units, producing 1.2 million.
• Portugal – Fell by nearly 0.4 million, though still leading with 1.8 million units.
• Poland – Produced 0.8 million, but still recorded a decrease.

This is happening even as European cities expand bike lanes, promote active travel, and push to cut carbon emissions.

Why Production Is Falling

Several intertwined factors are likely behind the decline:

Economic pressures – Post-pandemic uncertainty, inflation, and tighter household budgets mean consumers are prioritizing essentials over discretionary buys like bikes.

Supply chain disruptions – Shortages of raw materials and specialized e-bike parts are slowing manufacturing.

E-bike shift – While classic bikes are down, e-bike demand is rising. They cost more to produce, require specific components, and aren’t yet produced at the same scale.

Booming used-bike market – With a strong second-hand scene, more riders are opting to refurbish or buy pre-owned bikes.

Tougher environmental standards – Stricter EU rules mean older factories must adapt, which can slow production.

Is the Cycling Revolution Slowing Down?

The drop in production doesn’t necessarily mean cycling is losing momentum.

Cities are still investing heavily in bike infrastructure, bike-sharing programs are thriving, and cycling remains a key player in sustainable transport.

Experts suggest this could be more of a market shift from traditional bikes to e-bikes and shared mobility than a collapse. In many ways, it’s the cycling culture evolving, not disappearing.

How the EU Could Bounce Back

To strengthen the industry, several steps could make a difference:

• Scale up e-bike manufacturing and offer subsidies to encourage adoption.
• Upgrade to greener factories to meet environmental rules while boosting efficiency.
• Encourage ownership with tax incentives for both traditional and electric bikes.
• Strengthen supply chains by producing more components locally.

The Road Ahead for Urban Cycling

While the numbers may look discouraging, cycling is far from over in Europe. The current challenges offer a chance to innovate – from cleaner production to advanced e-bike technology.

With cities growing denser and climate targets becoming more urgent, bicycles will remain an essential tool for cleaner, healthier transport.

The cycling revolution isn’t ending, it’s changing gears.