Car travel still dominant in Belgium, but electric bike use continues to rise
A large-scale mobility survey shows that cars remain the dominant means of transport in Belgium, accounting for 60 per cent of all journeys. Cycling covers just 11 per cent, but the use of electric bicycles is growing rapidly.
A survey conducted by Belgium's FPS Mobility and Transport between September 2024 and September 2025 shows that car journeys account for 78 per cent of kilometres travelled. This is compared to 9 per cent for trains, 5 per cent for bicycles, 4 per cent for the metro, tram or bus, and 3 per cent for walking. The car's share has remained virtually unchanged for 25 years.
E-bike use grows
While the car remains dominant, electric bicycles are catching up. According to the survey, electric bicycles are now more popular than traditional ones across Belgium. Only 36 per cent of cycling kilometres are covered without electric assistance. Of the remaining 64 per cent, around 8 per cent are cycled at a faster speed on pedelecs.
Walking and cycling are mainly chosen for trips shorter than five kilometres. Together they account for a third of all travel loops and 8 per cent of the distance travelled. Within municipalities, they represent 22 per cent of kilometres in cities and 29 per cent in less densely populated areas.
Public transport is used for 7 per cent of travel loops and represents 13 per cent of kilometres travelled. The train is mostly chosen for long distances. It is the main mode for 2 per cent of travel loops, but covers 9 per cent of kilometres.
The survey also reveals significant regional disparities. In Flanders, 8 per cent of kilometres travelled are by bicycle, compared to less than 1 per cent in Wallonia. Meanwhile, metro, tram and bus travel accounts for 20 per cent of kilometres travelled in Brussels, much higher than elsewhere in the country.
© BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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