E-bike boom in Germany: Despite the decline, the market remains strong!

E-bike boom in Germany: Despite the decline, the market remains strong!

The e-bike boom in Germany is certainly unbroken, even if last year's figures reveal some dark sides. The German bicycle industry, which fell to a total of 3.85 million bikes sold in 2024, did not perform optimally with e-bikes, of all things, which generated 86 percent of bicycle sales. In fact, sales of e-bikes fell by two percent to two million units and the industry's total sales fell by ten percent to around 6.3 billion euros. A look at the Eurobike trade fair, which will take place soon, shows that the interest in new models and innovations is unbroken. Around 1,500 exhibitors are on site, and end consumers can also buy directly at the weekend. Here Tagesschau reports that almost all types of bicycles in Germany are now electrified.

But which trends are currently dominating? The popularity of gravel and racing bikes has increased, and of course that comes at a price. These bikes are very popular, while the average price of an e-bike fell by ten percent to 2,650 euros in 2024 - visually a bargain compared to the average price of a mechanical bike of 470 euros. Just a reminder: E-bikes are still around five times more expensive than classic bikes. However, the decline in mechanical bicycles is more noticeable than in e-bikes: sales fell by 21 percent, to a total of 1.9 million bikes, which raises doubts about the future of traditional bicycles.

Market developments and forecasts

The German market is mixed. However, according to analysts at Manager Magazin, an increase in the bicycle market of over ten percent is expected for the first quarter. But that's just a small ray of hope in the midst of a once-in-a-century decline that would have to occur to sustainably revitalize the industry. E-cargo bikes in particular, which have almost quadrupled in size since 2019 and whose sales have increased by 15 percent, are considered to be more promising for the future. After all, every eleventh e-bike sold in Germany is now an e-cargo bike.

What is the industry doing? According to a study by EY, 80 percent of leased bikes plan to be e-bikes, and company bike leasing is often cited as a growth engine and could grow by 12 percent annually by 2028. This development could fuel hopes of a return to stronger sales.

Future view

The bicycle market in Germany is facing an exciting phase. In order to survive in this dynamic landscape, providers are looking forward to the Eurobike trade fair, which not only puts the latest models but also innovations in e-mobility in the spotlight. The market is picking up, even as we have to deal with the reality of declining sales. There is a clear battle for customers for e-bikes, while the used market and declining mobility, especially among younger people, also play a role. The industry is hoping to turn things around and start a positive trend - there is something there!