Traxio Velo: ‘Bicycle sales declining, but industry remains optimistic’

With 540,356 bikes sold, bicycle sales in Belgium have declined for the second consecutive year. Mobility federation Traxio Velo announced this at the Bike Brussels trade fair opening at Tour & Taxis, which runs until Sunday.

However, this slight 4.75% drop isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, says Frank Glorieux, General Secretary of Traxio Velo. Sixtie percent of Belgians surveyed want to buy a new bicycle within two years.

Indeed, several encouraging trends, such as rising sales of e-long tail and gravel bikes, the growth of the second-hand market, and the increasing popularity of bicycle leasing, are all signs that the sector remains optimistic for the year ahead.

Role of the economic climate

With a 4.75% decline in bicycle sales, Belgium follows the trend seen in neighboring countries. In comparison, sales in the Netherlands and Germany fell by 7% and 3.5%, respectively.

Yet these figures contrast sharply with the record-breaking year 2022 when nearly 700,000 bikes were sold in Belgium. According to Traxio spokesman Filip Rylant, several factors contributed to this decline.

“Consumers tightened their budgets due to economic conditions and geopolitical tensions. Additionally, uncertainties in the bicycle market, such as Stella Bikes and Huyser’s bankruptcies, played a role. And we shouldn’t underestimate the impact of last year’s bad weather either.”

E-bike accounts for more than half of sales

A close look at the figures reveals that e-bikes with hub gears remain the most popular choice among Belgians, with 126,175 units sold. Trekking e-bikes with derailleur gears follow in second place, accounting for 83,836 sales. In third place comes the children’s bike, a segment not to be underestimated as it accounted for 58,555 units sold.

The mechanical city bike did not perform well, with a quarter-point drop. The speed pedelec also saw a significant decline of 17%, as did e-bike sales (-4.6%), though they still dominate the market, making up 51% of total sales.

Despite these declines, several niche segments continue to thrive. Gravel bikes (21,419 units), folding bikes (9,857), and e-longtails (7,812)—dubbed “the ultimate family bike”—all posted growth of 8%, 5%, and 4%, respectively. According to Traxio Velo, these figures reflect a shifting perspective on mobility, with multifunctional bikes offering a “creative response to the mobility challenges of today and tomorrow.”

Second-hand continues to grow

Another notable trend is the growing supply of high-quality second-hand bikes, driven in part by the rising popularity of bike leasing through programs like the so-called Cafeteria Plan—a personalized salary package with fringe benefits offered by some companies. Employees who lease a speed pedelec through work can purchase it after a few years at a reduced price and then resell it at a profit.

The mobility federation sees significant growth opportunities here, especially as the education sector is beginning to embrace corporate cycling initiatives. A recent survey also shows that Belgians generally have little confidence in buying a used e-bike directly from a private individual.

However, by professionalizing, Traxio Velo sees a significant opportunity for bicycle dealers to refurbish and resell pre-owned bikes. Companies like Upway and E-Bis, for example, saw a sharp rise in sales, a trend reflected in official figures as well: last year, 8,050 used speed pedelecs were registered in Belgium, an 18.5% increase—in Brussels alone, registrations increased by an impressive 45.6%.

Cycling country Flanders

With the Flemish cycling classics approaching, it’s no surprise that Flanders’ passion for racing is reflected in the sales market for sport bikes. The market accounts for a 26.8% share in Belgium, compared to just 6% for the Netherlands.

While road bike sales have been gradually declining in recent years, along with those of traditional mountain bikes, gravel bikes are bucking the trend. Sales of these versatile all-rounders have risen by 8%, a popularity mirrored by the increasing number of gravel bike events worldwide.

Otherwise, the contrasts between Flanders and Wallonia remain stark regarding the cycling experience. Mountain biking is far more prevalent in Wallonia due to its rugged terrain, whereas Flanders dominates retail, home to 84% of Belgium’s bike shops. The remaining 16% is spread across Brussels and Wallonia.

Here again, the trend that has been going on for several years continues: large retailers are steadily gaining ground, now accounting for 34% of total bike sales.

Optimistic for 2025

For this year, Traxio Velo expects relatively positive impulses. A survey of 2,000 Belgians shows that 60% want to buy a new bicycle within two years. Of those surveyed, 40% also indicate that their next bicycle will be more expensive than their current one.

Leaving aside discussions about infrastructure, it also appears that one-third of cyclists are not using their bikes for practical travel but only for recreational purposes. In other words, green mobility can get an extra push with the right awareness campaigns and purchasing the right bicycle.

The 7th edition of the Bike Brussels trade fair will be held from Friday to Sunday. Around 110 exhibitors will be present, focusing on innovation and sustainable mobility. The public can also discover gadgets like smart helmets and specialized GPS units. The fair will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.