Sales of electric bicycles, also called e-bikes, hit a record in 2021, with growth of 27.3%. There were 40,891 units sold, according to the Brazilian Association of the Bicycle Sector (Aliança Bike).
As for sales, BRL 289.3 million were obtained from sales, a number 52.2% higher than in 2020. In addition to the increase in sales, the sale prices of each bicycle increased by 20%.
The explanation for the higher prices is due to the increase in the dollar against the real, the increase in the price of sea freight and the demand of consumers for higher value bikes.
The data were obtained from monitoring members of Aliança Bike, together with information from the Federal Revenue Service and the Brazilian Association of Motorcycle, Moped, Scooter, Bicycle and Similar Manufacturers.
The success of this type of transport can also be explained by the average price of gasoline, which is at an all-time high. In addition, electric bicycles require less physical effort from the rider than conventional ones.
The growth prospects for this year are good, 22% in a conservative scenario and 50% in an optimistic scenario, reaching, therefore, more than 61 thousand units sold. The association also points to facts that can help boost sales, as was the case with the withdrawal of electric bikes from ICMS collection in São Paulo.
Going to the national scene, the Ministry of Economy zeroed the import tax for electric bicycle motors and the decision will still be communicated to the other Mercosur countries, which will have up to 90 days to manifest and take the measure forward. After this period, the tariff reduction will be valid for one year with the possibility of extending it for another year.
Aliança Bike also said that taxes related to e-bikes amount to 85% of the cost – a figure 10% above conventional bikes.
