The Belgian cycling market is gaining speed again. According to new figures from sector federation Traxio Velo, 578,737 bicycles were sold in Belgium in 2025, an increase of 7.1% compared with the year before.

With almost 580,000 bikes sold last year, the Belgian bicycle market now represents an industry worth roughly €1.2 to €1.5 billion annually, making it one of the fastest-growing segments of the country’s mobility sector.

Against that backdrop, the Bike Brussels fair, taking place from March 13 to 15 at Tour & Taxis, offers a snapshot of a market increasingly tied to everyday mobility rather than leisure alone.

Ongoing transformation

Held in the ‘Gare Maritime’ halls at Tour & Taxis, the event brings together bicycle brands, mobility organisations, and cycling enthusiasts from across the country.

While smaller than major international trade fairs, such as Eurobike or even Belgium’s larger Velofollies expo, the Brussels event positions itself as a meeting point for urban cycling and sustainable mobility.

Visitors can test cargo bikes, discover commuting solutions, and learn more about cycling infrastructure, logistics, and tourism. The themes highlighted at Bike Brussels closely mirror the developments identified by Traxio in its annual market analysis.

Traxio, which represents more than 16,000 mobility companies in Belgium employing around 90,000 people, gathers bicycle market data through its TRAXIO Velo branch, which brings together retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and leasing companies.

Commuting and short urban trips

According to the federation, cycling is becoming increasingly embedded in everyday life in Belgium, particularly for commuting and short urban trips.

While the country still has work to do on infrastructure, the number of cyclists continues to grow, and the bicycle is increasingly seen as a realistic alternative to the car for many journeys.

Electric bikes remain the main engine behind that growth. For the sixth consecutive year, they account for more than half of all bicycles sold in Belgium.

Higher-end models

Particularly popular are higher-end models equipped with internal gear hubs and belt drives, which combine durability with low maintenance. Sales of these models rose strongly in 2025, increasing from just over 126,000 units to more than 144,000.

A major factor behind this trend is the rapid expansion of company bike leasing. Through employer-based schemes, workers can obtain bicycles via salary packages and fiscal incentives, making them less sensitive to the sometimes high purchase prices.

Traxio estimates that nearly 191,000 leased bikes were in circulation in Belgium in 2025, with more than 70,000 new bikes added during the year. Leasing is not only boosting the overall market but also steering demand toward more expensive and technologically advanced bicycles.

Speed pedelecs illustrate this shift particularly well. These fast electric bikes, capable of reaching up to 45 km/h, had a record year in 2025.

When combining new and second-hand sales, 23,681 units were registered. Leasing plays a decisive role here as well: about 62% of newly sold speed pedelecs were obtained through leasing contracts. Almost all registrations occur in Flanders, reflecting the region’s stronger commuting culture and cycling infrastructure.

Strong sporting cycling tradition

At the same time, Belgium continues to stand out as a country with a strong sporting cycling tradition. Road bikes saw renewed growth last year, with sales climbing to 57,771 units, while gravel bikes continued their steady rise with more than 23,000 units sold. Mountain bikes, however, are gradually losing ground, with sales declining to around 45,000 units.

Another emerging trend is the arrival of the fatbike, a robust electric bicycle with wide tyres that gained popularity earlier in the Netherlands.

In Belgium, the segment remains small but is growing, with 4,620 units sold in 2025. These bikes are particularly popular among younger riders and students, though authorities warn about illegally modified models that can exceed legal speed limits.

The market is also diversifying, as evidenced by the rising popularity of cargo bikes and longtail models. These family-oriented bicycles are becoming increasingly common in urban environments and are gradually establishing themselves as alternatives to cars for school runs, shopping trips, and last-mile deliveries.

Following the Dutch path

In many ways, Belgium is following a path already taken by the Netherlands, Europe’s most mature cycling market. Dutch retailers sold about 796,000 bicycles in 2025, compared with 578,737 in Belgium.

After a pandemic boom, the Dutch market has cooled slightly, with sales volumes declining while the overall market value remains stable at around €1.5 billion, thanks to higher average prices.

Unlike Belgium, where employer-based leasing schemes strongly stimulate demand for premium e-bikes and speed pedelecs, Dutch cycling remains largely consumer-driven, focused on short, everyday trips, and supported by extensive cycling infrastructure.

Interest in cycling shows no sign of slowing down. Traxio surveys indicate that roughly one in three Belgians intends to buy a new bicycle in 2026.

At the same time, traditional bike retailers continue to play a crucial role in the market. Nearly three-quarters of consumers still prefer buying their bicycle from a specialised shop rather than online, mainly because of the advice and after-sales service provided.

For a sector that increasingly blends mobility, technology, and lifestyle, events such as Bike Brussels serve both as a showcase and a barometer.