E-Bike Popularity Surges in Austria, Outselling Traditional Bicycles in 2023

For the first time in Austria, electric bicycles (e-bikes) have outsold traditional bicycles, capturing over 50% of the market share. According to a comprehensive 2023 report by Arge Fahrrad and VSSÖ, e-bikes made up 52% of the total 421,000 bicycles distributed to Austrian sports and bike retailers last year. The dominance of e-bikes was even more pronounced among adult bicycles, where they accounted for 62% of sales.

Hans-Jürgen Schoder, spokesperson for Arge Fahrrad, described this shift as a landmark achievement towards sustainable transportation. "E-bikes play a pivotal role in future mobility, providing an eco-friendly alternative to cars, facilitating easy transport of children and goods via e-cargo bikes, and offering effortless commute options," Schoder explained.

Growing Demand for Specialized Bikes

The market also witnessed substantial growth in specialized categories like motorized cargo bikes and folding bikes. Motorized cargo bikes, especially, saw a significant uptick, with e-transport bikes making up over 90% of the cargo bikes sold. The segment saw a 19.8% increase in e-bike sales, despite a 14% decline in non-electric models.

Folding bikes predominantly remained non-electric, with 68% of the sales. However, the first-time promotional efforts in 2023 under the e-mobility initiative led to a remarkable increase in sales of e-folding bikes, doubling the demand from the previous year.

Michael Nendwich of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce noted the positive impact of these initiatives. "Our latest campaign will continue into 2024, aiming to boost sales further, especially by supporting retail outlets economically and including substantial bike services with each purchase," Nendwich added.

Economic Resilience Despite a Dip in Sales

Although there was a 16.8% drop in overall bike sales compared to previous years, the industry's economic strength remains robust. With revenues from bicycle sales reaching €1.18 billion in 2023, the sector surpassed the billion-euro mark for the third consecutive year, with e-bikes generating the bulk of this revenue.

Schoder remains optimistic about the future, citing a resilient market that is likely to stabilize by 2025. "The initial months of this year have already shown promising signs, particularly during the Easter sales period. While we manage inventories, the enduring popularity of cycling assures continued growth," he concluded.

This growing trend not only highlights the shift towards more sustainable modes of transportation but also underscores the potential for further growth in various bicycle categories in the coming years.