French two-wheeler market status

French two-wheeler market status

In 2022, among the various means of transport in France, electric bicycles accounted for 43% of the electric transportation, ranking first in sales, with sales reaching 763,809 units.

At present, the French two wheeler industry is still dominated by imports. According to statistics, the import volume of electric bicycles in France reached 2.6 million in 2022, mainly from Italy (21%), Portugal (15%), Romania (15%), Taiwan ( 11%) and mainland China (7%); while the export volume was 258,000, mainly exported to Belgium, Germany, Spain and other European countries.

Prices of two-wheelers in France

The average retail price of two-wheelers in France has been on the rise since 2013, and the average retail price of traditional bicycles has also been growing. In 2022, due to the decrease in the sales of baby carriages and entry-level traditional bicycles, the average retail price of traditional bicycles was actually increased. In 2022, the average retail price of traditional bicycles in France was 499 euros, a year-on-year increase of 18% compared to 2021.

In the past ten years, the sales of electric bicycles in France have increased by nearly 44% every year, and the sales in 2022 reached 1.451 billion euros, accounting for 61% of the market value.

2013-2030 (estimated) French bicycle sales:

Market advantages of French two-wheelers

Innovative market
There is a mature and convenient network of bicycle, parts and accessories manufacturers in France, from which there forms professional bicycle clusters. And the research in new materials, aviation and automotive industry derivatives.

Tradition advantage
Bicycle is an ancient and traditional product. As early as 1886, Saint-Etienne produced the first bicycle. There are production bases for bicycles and their accessories in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (Saint-Etienne), Octagne, Loire Valley (Angers), Haute-France, Haute-Pyrenees, etc.

Efficient business network
There are more than 100 bicycle-related companies in France, including start-ups, bicycle and accessory producers all over the country, major brands are known for their quality and origins in local traditions with intensive marketing network and high-quality after-sales service and high-quality vocational training.

Growing European Market
In 2020, Europe achieved a revenue of 15 billion euros in bicycles, including 3 billion euros in spare parts revenue. In 2020, 15 million bicycles were produced in Europe (17% were electric bicycles), and 23 million were sold in Europe, 160 million people traveled by bicycle every day. The European market relies on imports, especially from Asia.

Job-creating industrial sectors
There are more than 800 bicycle and accessories manufacturers in the Europe market, mainly small and medium-sized companies. The European bicycle industry created 100,000 jobs, including 23,000 industrial jobs. These companies are highly innovative, especially in vibrant start-up networks.

Policy supports for the French two-wheeler market

The French government has introduced many incentive policies related to lithium battery two wheeler, such as the France 2030 innovation plan, scientific research subsidies, purchase subsidies, construction of related infrastructure, etc., as follows.

France 2030 Innovation Program
The “France 2030” plan is France’s choice to deal with the great challenges of the times, especially ecological transformation, digital transformation and demographic transformation, involving artificial intelligence, semiconductors, agricultural technology, green industry, hydrogen energy, low-carbon aircraft, nuclear power, space and other fields.

A total of 54 billion euros is planned for investments in 10 target sectors: decarbonisation of industry, electric vehicles, low-carbon aircraft, future transport, etc. 11 billion euros have been invested so far in 1,752 projects, promoted by the public The bureau operates by soliciting projects or soliciting letters of intent.

Research tax deduction
All companies can enjoy a 30% tax deduction for every 100 million euros spent, and a 5% deduction for the excess. Eligible expenses include: personnel expenses, business expenses, intellectual property and patent fees, subcontracting fees, technical observation fees, and standardization fees.

Research project subsidy
All companies can enjoy it, and the subsidy amount is determined according to the size of the company (30%, 40%, 50%), and the eligible expenditure base rate is 10% or 20%. This program supports the development of high innovation, high value-added products or services to strengthen France’s scientific and technological base. It also supports innovative demonstration projects on an industrial or pre-industrial scale at advanced stages of development.

In addition, there are detailed corresponding subsidy regulations for the purchase of bicycles and electric bicycles:

Subsidies for the purchase of cargo bikes and e-bike trailers
Any adult or company can benefit from state grants for the purchase of cargo bikes or e-bike trailers. The amount of the subsidy is 1,000 euros, not exceeding 40% of the purchase cost of the bicycle. For cargo bikes or trailers, especially electric mopeds, they must be new products purchased after July 26, 2021.

Support for bike lanes
In 2018, the French government established a seven-year fund totaling 450 million euros to help local governments build safe and reliable bicycle lanes. The goal is to triple the share of bicycles in daily travel from 3% to 9% by 2024. And triple the 75,000 km (46.600 miles) of bike lanes by 2030.

Funding for bicycle infrastructure
The French government launched a new plan of 250 million euros in 2023, of which 20 million euros will be used to build new bicycle infrastructure (parking lots, electric charging stations, etc.). The new Motor Traffic Law has created important conditions for the development of multimodal bicycle transport.

Funding the purchase of an electric bike
In addition to subsidies provided by local communities, the French state also issues subsidies for the purchase of electric bicycles, up to 200 euros.

Sustainable transport plan
The French state exempts private sector employees from income tax and social contributions for home office transportation expenses incurred by riding bicycles, shared bikes or other shared mobility services, up to 500 euros per person per year, and up to 200 euros per person per year for civil servants.

National and local authorities in France are strongly supportive and have introduced bicycle bonuses of the following amounts: