The 31st edition of Eurobike was the biggest ever in terms of floor space and exhibitors. Step by step, the number of trade visitors and consumers is closing in on pre-pandemic levels as well. The world’s leading bicycle trade show covered a wider spectrum of e-mobility than ever before, and organizers fairnamic declared themselves fully satisfied with the event.
Thanks to the addition of the B2B area on the second floor of hall 9, Eurobike’s 31st edition set a new record in terms of floor space, which grew to 150,000 m2 (2022: 140,000 m2) and in the number of exhibitors, which stood at over 1,900 (2022: over 1,500). With 397 exhibitors, the novel three-day offering for pure suppliers without consumer business proved popular, especially with companies from Asia.
The number of trade visitors grew from 33,780 hailing from 105 countries in 2022 to 34,750 from 122 countries this year. Still these numbers are well below 2017’s record edition that welcomed over 42,000 trade visitors. So despite the growth Eurobike has still not reached its pre-pandemic levels, but it has become more global than ever.
New players entering the frame supply market
Apart from the overstock issue that is currently plaguing the bicycle industry, the big topics were sustainability, forecasting and supply chains. These themes were well represented in the program of events such as the Bike Biz Revolution or Cycling Industry Europe’s Big Sustainability Summit. A lot of new players and ideas entered the stage in terms of frame building, ranging from companies big in the automotive world like the Dutch VDL Groep to specialists for injection molding and 3D printing. Closely adhering to the “Hello Future” moniker, this year’s edition of Eurobike put an even bigger emphasis on e-bikes, bicycles as a mode of transport and a broader definition of e-mobility, which was reflected both in hall 8 and on the outdoor test track where a wide variety of vehicles on two, three or four wheels could be seen and tried out.
The bicycle business is going full electric
As for the products on show, the ongoing electrification of the bicycle was clearly the dominant aspect, with the most noteworthy news being Pinion’s motor and gearbox unit (MGU) and the first light-support system (Performance Line SX) from Bosch eBike Systems. Against the backdrop of the current overstock situation, many brands were holding back with news for 2024 to give bicycle dealers more time over the summer to sell off their inventory without large discounts. No wonder Stefan Reisinger as the Managing Director of event organizer fairnamic GmbH was highly satisfied with the 31st edition of Eurobike: “This year’s show seamlessly followed on the heels of last year’s success at the premiere in the new venue. We were able to make progress both quantitatively and qualitatively and have great momentum behind us. The charisma and drawing power that the industry currently needs could be found here in Frankfurt. This will make the Eurobike a driver of the transportation revolution and put even more focus on bicycles, e-bikes, and light electric mobility.”
High interest from consumers despite recession
The decision to bring back all activities to Messe fairgrounds and the advertising done locally in the run-up to the show paid off in terms of consumers visiting Eurobike’s Festival Days on Saturday and Sunday. This number grew from 27,370 last year to 31,840 this year. Of course, the hot and sunny weather helped in this regard, as the thunderstorms that had caused some damage on the open air grounds of Messe Frankfurt on Tuesday and Wednesday thankfully stayed away for the closing weekend. Plenty of high-profile displays, contests and special exhibitions were held to entertain consumers of all ages. The vivid interest in new e-bikes and e-cargobikes of all shapes and sizes in particular was apparent on the open air test track, which saw intense use over the weekend that at times almost culminated in traffic jams – thankfully without any fumes.
The 32nd Eurobike will take place on the grounds of Messe Frankfurt from Wednesday, July 3, to Sunday, July 7, 2024. Festival Days: Saturday and Sunday. Further information is available at www.eurobike.com.