E-bikes have become a major driver of cycling growth in Flanders, according to a new analysis by Fietsberaad Vlaanderen, the Flemish knowledge centre for cycling policy. E-bikes and speed pedelecs together account for more than 8% of all weekday trips in the region.

According to the Flemish government’s seventh Travel Behaviour Survey (OVG 7), bicycles account for 20% of trips on an average working day. E-bikes account for 7.6%, speed pedelecs 0.8%, and conventional bicycles 11.6%.

For commuting, bicycles account for 22.1% of trips. E-bikes represent 10.4% and speed pedelecs 1.8%, meaning electric bicycles account for more than half of bicycle commuting trips.

The average age of e-bike users has also fallen to 48, compared with more than 50 in previous surveys. People aged 45 and over account for 59% of e-bike trips, while the 6–24 age group accounts for 48% of conventional-bike trips but only 13% of e-bike trips.

E-bike ownership has increased from 32.8% to 44.4% of Flemish residents. Employer-supported bicycle leasing is also contributing to adoption, with 80% of leased bicycles in 2023 being electric, including 15% speed pedelecs.

Fietsberaad says the growth of e-bikes and faster bicycles creates new challenges for local authorities, including adapting cycling infrastructure, developing policies for speed pedelecs and providing secure bicycle parking, particularly at public transport hubs. Road safety measures also need to better address the needs of children and people aged 70 and over.

Flanders aims to increase the share of journeys made by bicycle to 30% by 2040, compared with 18.5% currently.

Photo: Fietsberaad