Number of bicycle sales in the European Union 2018-2021

European cyclists bought around 22.2 million bicycles (including electric battery-powered bicycles) in 2021. This figure represents a slight year-on-year growth from the roughly two million units that were sold in 2020.

Lockdown boom in cycling

The increase in bicycle sales in the European Union was largely driven by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As many other recreational activities were restricted during this period and public health authorities discouraged the use of shared transport, cycling became a popular mode of exercise and transport. This was supported by national and local governments, who invested in additional cycling infrastructure.

E-Bike market share increasing

In 2018 the market share of electric bicycles in the EU still stood at around 14 percent but had grown to nearly 23 percent by 2021. Bicycles with electric assist, also known as EPACs, are particularly popular among consumers. These bicycles provide electrically powered assistance while pedaling, but motor assistance is capped at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour, which allows them to be legally treated as pedal cycles.