OREANDA-NEWS. April 25, 2016. In 2015, Austria developed into one of the leading sales markets in relation to population for eBikes in Europe. Every fifth bicycle sold in Austria is now an eBike.

eBike sales in Austria show strong increase
According to the VSS? (Austrian Association of Sporting Goods Manufacturers and Sports Outfitters), eBike sales in 2015 accounted for more than 77,000 units out of a total sales volume of 390,000 bicycles. Compared to 2014 (50,000 eBikes sold), electric bicycle sales grew by over 50 per cent. Since 2010, annual eBike sales have nearly quadrupled in Austria. This probably makes Austria one of the leading eBike markets in relation to population in Europe. By way of comparison: according to the ZIV (German Bicycle Industry Association), in Germany, which is the largest market in Europe, the eBike share of the total bicycle market was 12.5% in 2015, or 535,000 units. In terms of the number of eBikes sold per million inhabitants, Germany has approximately 6,700, while Austria currently has more than 8,850.

Bosch still sees clear growth potential
Bosch eBike Systems is a driving force on this growth market. The global leader in the premium segment sees excellent prospects for the coming years. “In the medium term, every third new bicycle sold in Central Europe will probably be an eBike. At the moment, the primary focus is on the trend towards sport applications; the electric tailwind is also gaining in popularity among mountain bikers,” Claus Fleischer, head of Bosch eBike Systems, said.
The product division uses a diverse range of activities to promote the sustainable development of eMountain bikes (eMTBs) in the Alpine region. Bosch has taken the lead in this sector with the development of the Performance Line CX, a drive system that has been specially designed to meet the needs of eMountain bikers.
eBike sales in Austria verify this trend; eMTBs are in especially high demand. The Austrian tourist industry is also increasingly focusing on comprehensive eBike offers and investing in the respective infrastructure. This includes service and maintenance facilities, charging and rental stations, eBike routes and guides. Bosch eBike Systems is supporting pilot projects at select holiday destinations.