Where is the Bicycle Industry Growth Coming From? Market Trends and Opportunities for 2025

Authored by POLEEJIEK Editorial Team

The bicycle industry is witnessing notable shifts in demographic opportunities, as highlighted by recent retailer insights. By comparing data from 2020 and projections for 2025, we can identify evolving consumer segments and growth potential.

Electric Bikes Remain the Primary Growth Driver

In 2020, 72% of retailers identified electric bicycles as the key growth segment. By 2025, while this figure has slightly decreased to 63%, e-bikes still maintain the top position, significantly ahead of other categories. Despite a temporary sales decline in the UK during 2024, industry analysis indicates this metric doesn’t reflect the number of curious customers actively inquiring about electric bikes—underscoring substantial untapped market potential for models such as retro ebikes and commuter electric bicycles.

New Demographics and Cost-Sensitive Consumers

Emerging as a fresh segment in the 2025 analysis, 62% of retailers now see cost-sensitive commuters—those seeking lower transportation expenses—as a critical growth market. This aligns with broader economic trends, as consumers increasingly embrace affordable and sustainable commuting solutions like commuter ebikes.

Decline of Beginner Cyclists vs Rise of Enthusiast Riders

Beginner cyclists have notably decreased from 36% in 2020 to 23% in 2025, influenced by high initial costs (helmets, cycling shoes) and considerable time investments. Conversely, there’s significant growth among existing cycling enthusiasts and sports-oriented riders (up from 21% to 28%). These riders show strong purchasing intent towards premium models—such as carbon fiber road bikes and electronic shifting systems—reflecting a robust market for higher-end, performance-focused bikes.

Return of Traditional Consumers: The Silver Economy

The resilience of the 50+ age group, rising from 30% to 33%, is becoming increasingly significant. These older consumers, often underestimated, prefer direct in-store interactions for major purchases, contrasting with the online-centric habits of younger consumers. The aging population in developed countries offers stable income streams and high-quality consumption standards, perfectly aligning with electric bikes’ health-conscious, mobility-enhancing benefits. Notably, the adoption of electric bicycles among older demographics continues to grow steadily, making this segment a promising long-term market.

The Rise of the Children's Bicycle Market

The children's market has emerged prominently, with 17% of retailers recognizing significant potential. The global market for children's electric vehicles reached $12 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $15.5 billion by 2025, marking a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3%. Families in Europe and America are driving this trend, seeking electric bicycles as developmental companions for their children, combining play, physical activity, and socialization into one. Consequently, companies like Poleejiek Mini & Kids Ebikes are strategically positioning themselves to cultivate the next generation of cyclists.

Emerging Opportunities and Underserved Markets

The overall market now demonstrates a multi-tiered growth pattern:

• Dominant Tier: Electric assistance (63%) and cost-sensitive commuters (62%)
• Rising Tier: Sports cyclists (28%) and leisure riders (34%) representing upgraded consumer lifestyles.
• Potential Tier: Enterprise bike fleets (11%), disabled riders (7%), and students/youth (6%)—still largely untapped, offering significant future potential.

This segmentation underscores that while electric bicycles remain the dominant sector, niche segments are rapidly emerging. Notably, the silver economy is shifting from a peripheral to a mainstream market. Businesses targeting these segments strategically, such as Poleejiek, can capitalize on these underserved markets, positioning themselves in a future competitive "blue ocean."

Conclusion: Strategic Differentiation as a Path Forward

To achieve sustained growth, differentiation becomes critical. Brands focusing on detailed segmentation—such as specialized products for the elderly, disabled riders, or corporate fleets—will likely unlock new market spaces. Companies that integrate demographic insights with robust product innovation will define future leadership within the bicycle industry.

Source: Market data from industry reports and recent retailer surveys (2025). Charts courtesy of industry analytics platforms.