Taiwan's exports of bicycle components and e-bikes increased significantly in the first quarter of this year. This is according to preliminary data from the Taiwan Bicycle Association (TBA). After significant declines since 2022, the Taiwanese bicycle industry is showing signs of recovery for the first time. The positive development is mainly due to the increased demand for high-quality products and significantly higher average prices.

For the first time since the start of the pandemic, the export value of e-bikes increased again compared to the previous year. From January to April, it reached 236 million US dollars (around CHF 195 million) - an increase of 0.26%. The average export price per e-bike exceeded the USD 2,000 mark and rose to USD 2,023 (around CHF 1,665), which corresponds to an increase of around 12.03% compared to the same period last year. "The increased export value - despite declining unit sales - shows that the strategic focus on high-quality product segments is having an impact," explained Robert Wu, Chairman of the Taiwan Bicycle Association. "An e-bike is now three times the price of a conventional bicycle. This has prompted many manufacturers in Taiwan to invest more in the development of e-bikes." 

Exports of bicycle components also developed positively: from January to April, the export value amounted to 437 million US dollars (around 384 million euros), an increase of 5.92% compared to the previous year. According to the TBA, this increase is mainly due to recurring orders for complete bicycles and stable demand for spare and wear parts from OEM manufacturers.

"We are seeing increased activity in the markets for new bicycles - particularly in Europe and North America," Wu continued. "Although caution is still required, the current figures indicate a gradual stabilization and an increased focus on high-quality innovations."

tba-cycling.org