Electric Bicycle Has Become The New Favorite Of Travel in Europe

Just before last year, electric bicycles were still an embarrassing existence in most European countries, and their annual sales in Europe were less than that of a single Chinese electric bicycle brand. So how did it become popular in Europe?

1、 The epidemic has made electric bicycles popular

In Europe, the sudden COVID-19 made electric bicycles the mainstream transportation vehicle. Even after the epidemic, its hot sales did not show signs of slowing down.

According to a set of data released by the European bicycle organization, the annual sales of electric bicycles in Europe are expected to surge from 3.7 million in 2019 to 17 million in 2030. As soon as 2024, the annual sales volume of electric bicycles will reach 10 million.

2、 Electric bicycle infrastructure has increased significantly

Many European cities have launched new bicycle friendly plans, such as Paris plans to expand bicycle lanes and add 180 kilometers of new bicycle lanes, and the number of parking spaces will increase from 60000 to 180000; Berlin has approved 12 new bicycle lanes that will be completely separated from other vehicles on the road. All regions improve bicycle infrastructure by increasing the number of bicycle lanes and parking spaces, and expand the bicycle city network to meet the increasing needs of electric bicycle riding, ensure a safer riding environment and ensure more bicycle capacity.

3、 Government incentives

Since the beginning of last year, governments across Europe have provided hundreds to thousands of European subsidies to consumers who buy electric bicycles. The average subsidy for electric bicycles in France is 400 euros. Italy can enjoy subsidies of up to 70% of the vehicle price when buying electric bicycles. After the introduction of the policy, consumers' willingness to buy electric bicycles has increased by a full nine times. The Netherlands gives it a subsidy equivalent to 30% of the selling price. German electric bicycles can be subsidized up to 500 euros.

The European Council has issued a "modern" VAT directive, which states that the VAT rate on these subsidized products must be at least 5%. Member governments have now explicitly agreed to increase value-added tax concessions in the supply, leasing and maintenance of bicycles and electric bicycles. Previously, electric bicycles had to pay at least 15% value-added tax.

At present, the European electric bicycle market is developing rapidly, and the electric bicycle is becoming a new trend of low-carbon travel. The continuous promotion of various favorable policies will also drive the bicycle industry in various places to usher in a new spring.