The electric bicycle market in France

According to the French highway code, an electric bicycle or electrically assisted bicycle (VAE) is defined as " A cycle equipped with an auxiliary electric motor with a maximum continuous rated power of 0.25 kilowatts, whose power is gradually reduced and finally cut off when the vehicle reaches a speed ofpower is gradually reduced and finally cut off when the vehicle reaches a speed of 25 km/h, or sooner if the cyclist stops pedaling " (Article R311-1 of the Highway Code, part 6.11). EABs are becoming increasingly popular, and the range of electric bicycles is expanding: there are electric VTCs, electric mountain bikes, electric cargo bikes, electric road bikes...

The electrically-assisted bicycle (EAB) market in France and Europe has undergone a profound transformation over the past decade, marked by rapid adoption, contrasting dynamics between countries and a gradual structuring of the industrial offering. In Europe,Germany and the Netherlands stand out as mature markets, where VAE accounts for 53% and 48% of bicycle sales respectively. los sales, while France is in an acceleration phase with 29%, andItaly (20%) andSpain (18%) are still lagging behind, reflecting a strong potential for catching up in Southern Europe.

In France, the market will almost double between 2019 and 2022, peaking at 738,000 units sold, before falling back to 565,000 in 2024, a decline of almost -23% in two years. This trend reflects both a saturation effect and a constrained economic context. In terms of value, ECVs now account for 58% of cycle sales, whereas they represent only 29% of volumes, confirming their role as the central economic driver of the bicycle industry.

Internationally, France remains a net importer, with a trade balance deficit reaching -1.44 billion USD in 2022, before a slight recovery in 2023 and a relapse to -826 million USD in 2024. Dependence on imports is particularly marked in relation to China (36.6% of supplies) andGermany (19%), reinforcing the challenges of industrial sovereignty and the relocation of the sector.

The profile of cyclists reveals a market undergoing sociological diversification: eABs are narrowing the gender gap (53% men, 47% women), attracting an older clientele (average age 50 vs. 42 for muscle bikes), and appealing above all to working people (69%), but also a significant proportion of retirees (21%). Use is predominantly utilitarian, with 51% of journeys linked to work, and is becoming firmly entrenched in households, particularly two-person households (40%).

Finally, the market offer today covers a very wide price range: from entry-level models (< €1000), often not very durable, to reliable European brand bikes (€1700-2500), to top-of-the-range (€4000-6000) and exceptional models (>€6000), designed for intensive or ultra-customized use. The average cost of use remains low (less than 3 cents per km, including battery and maintenance), confirming VAE as the most economical and sustainable mode of motorized transport in urban environments.

The aim of this study is to analyze the market dynamics, consumer profiles, industrial issues and development prospects for electrically-assisted bicycles, in order to understand the growth drivers and conditions required to consolidate their role in the transition to more sustainable mobility.