German Bicycle Market Begins to Recover, Industry Association Says

Germany’s bicycle market grew in the first half of 2026 after several difficult years, with domestic production and sales both showing signs of recovery.

The industry association ZIV said bicycle production increased 6% in the first six months of the year. Production of e-bikes, which account for a larger share of the sector’s economic value, rose 4%. Bicycle sales climbed by almost 10%, while e-bike sales increased 2%.

Workshops remained busy, and retailers recorded clear gains in spare parts and accessories. Dealers continued to place orders cautiously, but the stockpiles built up in previous years had been “largely” reduced, the association said.

The industry had struggled after a pandemic-era boom. Overproduction, declining demand and falling prices weighed on the market. Germany produced about 1.9 million bicycles and e-bikes in 2025, 1.4% fewer than a year earlier. Sales, including imports, totaled about 3.8 million units, below pre-pandemic levels. Revenue fell 7.7% to 5.85 billion euros.

The latest half-year figures show that the sector has passed its low point, ZIV managing director Burkhard Stork said. “The positive trend gives us confidence. We know that bicycle and e-bike use is gradually increasing and that our market is stable in the long term.” Germany had more than 90 million bicycles in use last year, significantly more than its population.

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The positive trend gives us confidence. We know that bicycle and e-bike use is gradually increasing and that our market is stable in the long term.