Bicycle sales in the Netherlands declined by 13.2 percent to 1,039,000 units in 2012, with revenues declining by 14.2 percent, due to economic hardship and low consumer confidence. The average price of bicycles sold by independent bicycle dealers decreased by only 0.7 percent to €954 against 2011. While all bike categories generally declined, the electric bike performed relatively well. The market share of e-bikes increased by 1.3 percent to 171,000 units and in terms of revenues, the e-bike is now the largest category in the country, outpacing the city bike. The average price spent on e-bikes in 2012 was €1,821. Forecasts for 2013 are difficult to predict due to the unstable economic situation, although the market volume in the Netherlands is still bigger than 1 million units. While sales may be affected by the general situation, the parts and accessory revenues are expected to continue to grow, for cycling is a widespread common practice in the Netherlands. People simply tend to ride longer on their bike, as opposed to buying a new one, which results in more repair and maintenance expenses.

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