Türkiye ranks as Europe's fourth-largest bicycle manufacturer. Bayram Akgül, President of the World Bicycle Industry Association (WBIA) and Board Member of both the Bicycle Industry Association (BİSED) and Salcano Bicycle, discussed Türkiye's production capacity, export potential, the regulatory problem with electric bicycles, price ranges and the sector's financing difficulties in an assessment on Bloomberg HT.
Production Ready, Demand Awaited
Akgül emphasised that bicycle manufacturers in Türkiye are ready in terms of capacity. "All companies in Türkiye — including my own company and my other colleagues — we are ready. As long as demand increases," said Akgül, noting that state support is also continuing. Recalling the Ministry of Health project under which every municipality building one metre of cycle lane is gifted a bicycle, Akgül said that 300,000 to 400,000 bicycles have been distributed under this scheme.
Akgül also drew attention to the transformation the bicycle has undergone in recent years. "Whereas it used to be a report card gift, it has now begun to come to the fore as a means of transport as well. There has been a favourable disposition towards the bicycle as a means of transport, for sporting purposes, and for a healthy life during the Covid period," he said. Akgül noted that so-called bio-bicycles, propelled solely by pedalling, require no energy at all, run entirely on human power and stand out for their environmentally friendly character.
Regulatory Problem in Electric Bicycles
Akgül issued important warnings regarding electric bicycles. Clarifying the definition of an electric bicycle, Akgül said: "Electric-assisted bicycles that are 250 watts and cut assistance when reaching 25 km/h are called electric bicycles. This is a very important definition."
Noting that vehicles exceeding this definition have become widespread in the market in Europe, Akgül stated: "In Europe, electric bicycles doing 40-50 km/h and running at 750 or 1,000 watts rather than 250 watts are circulating in the market." Akgül reported that this situation has unsettled the European Bicycle Industry Association, which has been conducting lobbying activities with the European Union, and that the Netherlands and Germany have begun taking measures.
Akgül noted that bicycle conversion kits lie at the root of the problem, warning: "There are bicycle conversion kits. Most of those kits are 500 watts, 750 watts. They can fit these to a normal bicycle and convert it. Because when a bicycle does 50 km/h, those brakes have no chance of stopping it." Noting in particular that models fitted with a throttle have evolved the bicycle towards a motorcycle style, Akgül said: "The moment it exceeds 250 watts, it enters the moped class, and mopeds require insurance. Under the new regulation, there is also a licence and registration plate requirement."
Akgül also provided information on the price range of electric bicycles. "These bicycles are around 40,000-50,000 lira. When offered in 9-12 instalments, they can be used as a means of transport in this way," said Akgül, noting that instalment options make electric bicycles accessible to wider audiences. Emphasising that the conventional bicycle market is also affected by this situation, Akgül said: "It affects the conventional bicycle market too. Because people can access them more easily."
High-Speed Bicycle Exports from Türkiye Blocked
Emphasising that Türkiye applies strict controls on this matter, Akgül said: "At present, there is significant scrutiny when exporting to Europe from Türkiye, and this type of bicycle is being prevented from leaving Türkiye." Noting that the Ministry of Trade has taken the necessary measures, Akgül added: "At present, there is normal electric bicycle exports from Türkiye, but similar problems are being seen in the domestic market as well, just as in Europe."
Akgül said similar problems are being seen in Türkiye and that, as a sector, they are warning their colleagues. "There are certain gaps, and some are trying to exploit them. But this is a genuinely problematic process from our point of view," said Akgül, also sharing a personal anecdote: "I gave my child an electric bicycle. He said, 'Dad, this bicycle you gave me doesn't pull.' His friends can go faster."
$1 Billion Export Target and New Markets
Akgül set out a striking target regarding the export potential of Türkiye's bicycle sector: "There is a $1 billion market, and we can reach that market in exports." Listing potential markets, Akgül drew attention to Saudi Arabia, North Africa, the Balkans and the Turkic Republics.
Noting that a large bicycle market will emerge in Saudi Arabia, Akgül reported that air-conditioned cycle lanes are being built in Dubai. Recalling that a Medina-Mecca alliance has been established between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, Akgül said commercial and political relations are drawing closer.
Akgül also shared that there is work towards establishing an industrial zone in Thrace dedicated to bicycles and motorcycles, stating: "The Secretary General of the Thrace Development Agency came and asked, 'Could we establish an industrial zone in Thrace that would build a supply chain dedicated to bicycles and motorcycles?' I said we would be delighted. They said we could also bring in foreign investors." Akgül stated: "Twenty million bicycles are sold in Europe, and Türkiye, within a 4-hour flight distance, reaches 1 billion people," noting that this represents a major opportunity.
Noting that with the end of the Russia-Ukraine war, these two countries will also become an important market for Türkiye, Akgül said they will see the effects of Türkiye's neutral and independent position in trade. Akgül also added that he is President of the Montenegro Business Council and that they conduct commercial diplomacy in the Balkans.
Industrialists' Difficulty in Accessing Finance
Recalling that there was a 1.6 per cent contraction in Türkiye's manufacturing industry in September, Akgül emphasised that the real reason for the contraction in the sector is access to finance. Stating, "Not only my own company, but everyone I speak to around me is experiencing difficulties related to this contraction," Akgül touched on the importance of the TL 250 billion support announced by the Minister of Industry being brought into play as soon as possible. "We have been living with high interest rates for many years. I hope interest rates will fall as soon as possible, and with the support, both our industry and our market will develop," he said.
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