Dutch increasingly choose two-wheeler: figures prove it

More miles on a two-wheeler

The number of bicycles has increased from 22.3 to 24.1 million since 2010, bicycle use also increased significantly. In 2023, the Dutch collectively cycled 19.1 billion kilometers, an average of 1,065 km per person. Ten years ago this was 902 km. The increase in the number of kilometers is related to the growth of electric bicycles, which are used to travel longer distances. So reads the new edition ‘Mobility in Figures Two-wheelers 2024’ by RAI Association and BOVAG.

804,101 copies

Meanwhile, of the 804,101 new bicycles purchased last year, e-bikes accounted for 56 percent, with 453,219 of them crossing the counter. The e-bike’s increased market share meant that the average purchase price 2023 was 2 percent higher at 1,815 euros than in 2022. Strong demand for e-bikes and their higher average price kept total sales in the bicycle market stable in 2023, despite a slight 6 percent decline in the number of bicycles sold. It is interesting to note that when it comes to electric bicycles, the Netherlands is also at the forefront internationally, leading the European sales rankings along with Germany and France.

Moped sales decline – electrification accelerates

In 2023, we see that the introduction of the helmet requirement clearly has its effects, causing sales to decline. Although sales declined, electrification within the moped and scooter market continues at a rapid pace. Nearly 35,000 new mopeds and scooters were sold in 2023, of which 42.4 percent were equipped with an all-electric drive system.

Motorcycle more popular than ever

In 2023, new motorcycle sales grew 13 percent to a record 17,472 machines, the highest number since 2000. In addition, the 800,000th motorcycle was registered in 2023, which means that the motorcycle fleet in the Netherlands has never been larger. Young people in particular show a strong interest in motorcycling – new motorcycle sales in the 18-25 age group increased by 30 percent. The popularity of motorcycles among this group is also visible in the rising number of motorcycle licenses obtained, especially in the youngest age group (18-20 years).