Bicycles and e-bikes: 2022 was another record year for the bicycle industry
"The bicycle and e-bike market is showing a stable high for the past year despite the general reluctance of consumers to buy in the second half of the year," says Burkhard Stork, Managing Director of the ZIV (Zweirad-Industrie-Verband). Quality and innovation "Made in Germany" have also developed into a stable, strong driver in the growing e-bike market in recent years.
Bicycle industry: turnover almost quadrupled in 10 years
In Germany, 20 per cent more e-bikes were produced, which in figures means 1.72 million. The production of bikes without a motor remained unchanged at 900,000 units. The production value of two-wheeler parts and components manufactured in Germany has also risen since 2020, increasing by 55 per cent, or €1.6 billion. Overall, the turnover generated with bicycles and e-bikes has increased in the last ten years. almost quadrupled. One reason is high-quality components. Another reason for the growing turnover is the High proportion of e-bikes. While turnover in 2012 was still around 2 billion euros, in 2022 it was around 7.36 billion euros. "The performance of the bicycle industry is often underestimated," says Burkhard Stork. "Yet it makes a significant contribution to value creation in Germany and Europe and stands for sustainable products and jobs."
This is how many bikes and e-bikes were sold in 2022
Production is one thing, sales figures are another. A total of 4.6 million bikes were sold in Germany in 2022, 100,000 fewer than in 2021 but 300,000 more than in 2019 - before coronavirus. Sales of e-bikes rose by ten per cent compared to the previous year to 2.2 million e-bikes. The market share of e-bikes in Germany is now 48 per cent. "We assume that e-bikes will overtake non-motorised bicycles in terms of unit sales for the first time this year," says Stork. E-bikes already dominate cargo bikes and mountain bikes. Almost one million mountain bikes were sold in 2022, 931,600 to be precise. With 836,000 e-MTBs, their share is around 90 per cent.
Bikes without a motor - MTB sales figures halved since 2019
Across all model groups, the market share of Bicycles for the Urban use 76.5 per cent (excluding children's, youth and other bicycles). By far the largest share is accounted for by the following areas Trekking 45 per cent (2021: 40 %) and City/Urban 18 per cent (2021: 20 %) . All-terrain bikes for roads and light terrain have a market share of nine per cent (2021: 10%) . Road bikes, gravel bikes, fitness bikes and mountain bikes together, in short sporty bikes, make up eleven per cent, whereby the market share of MTBs has fallen to four per cent, 95,600 units. Since 2019, the number of unassisted MTBs sold has halved. In 2019, this figure was still seven per cent or 206,500 units (7 %). The reason given for this development is the shift towards e-MTBs.
E-bikes: e-mountain bikes still on the rise
For a long time, e-trekking bikes were the number one choice for buyers. Since 2021, e-MTBs have been making strong gains and have taken over the top position. In 2022, the shift towards e-MTBs is still clearly visible.
The biggest increases are in sporty e-bikes (e-MTBs, racing bikes/gravel/fitness bikes), e-cargobikes and S-pedelecs. Expressed in figures, the development is as follows:
- E-MTB: 38 % / 836,000 units (2021: 680,000 units) Growth: 23 %
- E-trekking bikes 28 % / 616,000 units (2021: 642,000 units) Decrease: 4 %
- E-city bikes 24 % / 528,000 units (2021: 520,000 units) Growth: 1.5 %
- E-cargo bikes (e-cargobikes) 7.5 % / 165,000 units (2021: 120,000 units) Growth: 37.5 %
- Road bike/gravel/fitness 1 % / 22,000 units (2021: 10,000 units) Growth: 120 %
- S-pedelecs / e-bikes 45 0.5 % / 11,000 units (2021: 8,000 units) Growth: 37.5 %
Cargo bike or trailer
The analysis by the ZIV and VDZ shows that cargo bikes are booming. Cargo bikes are one of the fastest growing model groups. The rapid growth is primarily due to the great popularity of electric cargo bikes. It is the motor that makes cargo bikes suitable for mass production.
On the other side are bicycle trailers. In public perception and discussion, bicycle trailers have taken a back seat to cargo bikes. Yet they are a proven, safe and multifunctional solution for transporting children, shopping, loads or dogs: comfortable, flexible and forward-looking, especially in combination with e-bikes as towing vehicles.
- Growth in e-cargobikes: 37.5 % Total cargo bikes sold: 212,800 (2021: 167,000)
- Total growth: 27.4 % compared to 2021
- Total bike trailers sold in 2022 (excluding B2B): 293,000 units in comparison: cargo bikes 212,800 units
Bicycles and e-bikes with mobility potential
According to the ZIV, bicycles and e-bikes have developed into a high-quality mobility and leisure product. This quality is appreciated by consumers, as demand shows. The ZIV therefore sees great potential in the German bicycle and e-bike market.
According to surveys, the average sales price is 500 euros for a bicycle and 2800 euros for an e-bike. "If you look at the price trends, it's not simply the case that e-bikes are becoming more and more expensive. On the contrary, you get a lot more bike for your money these days," emphasises Burkhard Stork. At the same time, expectations have also changed. Customers today want higher-quality components, for example in the gears, brakes, tyres or lighting. Also on the wish list are a powerful battery, suspension, app connection, a good design and a long service life.
The bicycle industry continues to develop
The appreciation for bicycles and e-bikes also means that the bicycle industry continues to develop - innovations confirm this assessment.
End of the delivery difficulties: Will the price collapse come in 2023?
"Now is exactly the right time to buy a new bike or e-bike," emphasises ZIV Managing Director Burkhard Stork. This is because the supply chain problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic are now a thing of the past. Dealers' and manufacturers' warehouses are currently well stocked. The costs for transport, pre-production and more are also falling, and the price advantages are also being passed on to customers.
Our research also shows that many manufacturers' warehouses are already bursting at the seams. The reason: during coronavirus, retailers have ordered a lot of goods, some of which are only now arriving. In plain language, this means that prices are likely to fall significantly, especially if demand is not quite as high in 2023. Bad for the industry but good for customers. So if you're looking for a bargain, it might be worth being patient in 2023.
More articles on the topic of discounts and price trends in 2023:
Mobility turnaround?
On the one hand, the bicycle industry is the mass transport of the future. The other side: the transport policy of the current federal government shows no clear direction. Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing has secured the funding of 2.9 billion euros earmarked for cycling infrastructure in the coalition agreement and is promoting bicycle parking at public transport stops with large sums of money. At the same time, the federal government is not setting the right course for the urgently needed mobility turnaround, either in terms of investment or fuels. Burkhard Stork:
Two thirds of all everyday journeys made by people in urban and rural areas can easily be made by bicycle or e-bike. [...] We expect federal, state and local authorities to adopt a policy that is clearly focussed on the bicycle. Everyone would benefit from this, regardless of whether they already use a bicycle or not.
Will mountain bikes come after skis?
Although not all MTBs sold are used off the beaten track, their potential for leisure and holiday use is huge. This is also recognised by tourist regions, which are looking for year-round alternatives due to warm winters and a lack of snow. Mountain bike tourism is very popular here. In order to be able to develop this sustainably, a clear and nationwide regulation of access to nature is necessary. "There must not be a patchwork of 16 different federal state regulations. We expect the amendment to the Federal Forest Act to lead to standardised nationwide regulations on free access to the forest," says Stork.
"We expect stable growth" - Conclusion from the Managing Director of the ZIV
"The companies in the German bicycle industry have solved the supply chain problems well. The war in Ukraine and its consequences were not foreseeable, but the majority of our members believe that we will also be able to overcome this challenge well. We continue to see great interest in bicycles and e-bikes and expect stable growth and a surge in innovation in the coming years. If politicians also do their homework and people can cycle safely and comfortably in everyday life and for leisure, there will be nothing standing in the way of Germany as a cycling nation, either in terms of use or production!"
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
