Sales volume of bicycles produced by Japanese companies in Japan 2014-2023

In 2023, about 1.33 million bicycles that were produced by Japanese companies were sold in Japan, worth over 88 billion Japanese yen in sales value. Japan produced around 714.83 thousand bicycles in 2023, around half the volume of the domestic demand. Approximately 4.36 million bicycles were imported into the country over the course of the same year. 

What are the preferences of Japanese bicycle owners?

The most common type among Japanese cyclists was the so called mamachari. A mamachari is a general utility bicycle, particularly popular among housewives and students commuting to school or running daily errands. E-bikes were among the most popular bicycle types in Japan. While most city bikes were bought at comparatively affordable prices of less than 50,000 Japanese yen, new pedal electric cycles (pedelecs) typically cost up to 150 thousand yen per unit.

In recent years, a growing number of Japanese cities started to offer bicycle-sharing services, making alternative and budget-friendly mobility options more accessible while contributing to increased flexibility in travel choices for citizens and tourists alike.

Is riding a bicycle safe in Japan?

The number of accidents involving bicycles decreased from more than 132 thousand in 2012 to less than 70 thousand cases in 2022. Bicycle accidents in Japan were primarily caused by road users being negligent towards the traffic situation. During morning and evening rush hour periods, bicycle accidents were most likely to happen, frequently involving cars or, to a lesser degree, motorcycles. Although the bicycle rider bore responsibility in significantly fewer cases, cyclists, especially younger ones, are also perceived as hazards. Due to the risk of bicycle accidents, taking out bicycle insurance has become common in many Japanese prefectures.