After crazy years in 2020 and 2021, due to the pandemic, the French bicycle market experienced a more moderate rise in 2022: its value increased by 5.2%, but the number of bicycles sold fell by 7% over one year to 2,596,199 units. The French cycle market now represents 3.6 billion euros, including maintenance and the sale of accessories.
In total, 738,454 electric-assisted bicycles (VAE) were sold in 2022, i.e. more than one in four bicycles. They are still (slightly) ahead of electric scooters in French purchases.
Much more expensive than their “muscular” ancestors, and heavily subsidized, the VAE sold on average at 1,965 euros.
All categories of classic bicycles are in decline – especially in large retailers – starting with children’s bicycles (686,000 units, -136,000 over one year).
The only ones to progress are the “gravel”, a niche of versatile bikes fashionable among athletes.
“Need parking”
Bicycle production in France was once again driven by electrics, at more than 850,000 units (+7%), and the sector aims to pass the 900,000 mark in 2023.
Imports of complete bicycles from Italy, Romania, Portugal or Taiwan still represent the majority of the market but have fallen by 7%.
Referring to the place of the bicycle, Jérome Valentin, vice-president of the Union sport et cycle, president of Cycleurope, sent a message to cities: “Before cycle paths, it is car parks that we need, especially in Paris “. And to explain the importance for electric bikes of places to recharge their batteries.