Despite macroeconomic challenges, the German bicycle industry showed strong resilience in 2025. According to the latest market data jointly released by ZIV, Zukunft Fahrrad and VSF, e-bikes and company bike leasing remain two core growth engines, while refurbishing and repair services are opening new profit opportunities.

1. Overall Market: Stable Growth And Faster Electrification

By the end of 2025, Germany's total stock of bicycles and e-bikes exceeded 90 million units, up 2.1% year on year and more than 25% over the past decade. E-bikes continue to grow strongly. Since 2020, nearly 10 million e-bikes have been added, making them a leading form of electric mobility in Germany.

On the production side, total bicycle and e-bike production reached 1.9 million units in 2025, broadly stable at pre-pandemic levels. Notably, for every one traditional bicycle produced, two e-bikes were produced.

On the import side, bicycle imports increased slightly to 2.5 million units, while e-bike imports fell 9.4% to 780,000 units. EU countries continued to supply most bicycles, while the share from Asia increased slightly.

On the export side, Germany exported 1.39 million bicycles and e-bikes. More than 90% of bicycles and 98% of e-bikes were exported to EU and EFTA countries. Germany's main e-bike export destinations were the Netherlands, France and Austria.

2. Consumer Market: Slight Sales Decline And Diverging Price Trends

Due to weak overall consumption, total bicycle sales in Germany declined slightly in 2025. E-bike sales remained stable at around 2 million units, while traditional bicycle sales saw only a slight decline.

In terms of pricing, the average e-bike selling price was EUR 2,550, down 3.8% year on year. The average traditional bicycle price remained stable at EUR 500. Price declines mainly affected mainstream models, while high-end gravel and racing bicycles helped stabilize overall pricing. Gravel bikes are expected to continue seeing strong demand.

In sales channels, 67% of sales were completed through physical specialist retailers. Online specialist channels grew slightly, while self-service department stores and general e-commerce platforms continued to lose share.

3. Segment Consumption: Sport Models Still Dominate

In the traditional bicycle category, trekking bikes remained the most popular segment at 31.3%, followed by mountain bikes at 21.4% and city/urban bikes at 16.6%. Gravel bikes showed clear growth momentum, while the children's bicycle market remained stable.

Cargo bicycles stayed at a high level, while bicycle trailers, including pet trailers, saw a noticeable decline.

In the e-bike category, e-mountain bikes led with a 38% share, followed by e-trekking bikes at 24% and e-city bikes at 19%. E-cargo bikes grew slightly, while S-Pedelecs remained a niche market.

4. New Growth Engines: Company Bike Leasing And Refurbishing

Company bike leasing continues to be a core growth driver. More than 60,000 new employers now offer bike leasing, and conversion rates continue to rise. E-bikes account for 77% to 82% of leased vehicles, while leasing fleets continue to expand.

Refurbishing is growing rapidly. Since 2023, the segment has achieved annual growth of 68%. A large number of bikes returned at the end of leasing contracts are entering the market after professional refurbishment, and consumer acceptance is increasing. Price remains a decisive factor.

The industry generally believes that continuation of the company bike tax benefit, known as the 0.25% rule, and improvement of cycling infrastructure will be key factors for further market development.

5. Specialist Retail, Service And Repair Workshops Become A Focus

Although store revenue declined by 3% to 7% in 2025, overall revenue remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. Repair workshop business grew strongly by 13.5% in 2025 and is expected to continue expanding in 2026.

Inventory levels are returning to normal, with annual inventory turnover currently between 1.7 and 2.7 times.

The 2025 data confirms that the German bicycle industry remains resilient, innovative and increasingly digital. E-bikes and company bike leasing ensure stable sales, while high-end and sport models support product diversity. Specialist retail, service and refurbishing are creating new growth space, although the industry remains strongly influenced by policy conditions.