There is not yet a clear sign of a recovery in the sector: there is no clear signal from Asia, and in Europe the Accell insolvency is weighing on the sector. However, there are at least some positive figures emerging from the German bicycle market. Following a number of difficult years, the bicycle industry is once again reporting slight growth. The ZIV’s half-yearly report shows rising figures for production and sales. Retailers have reduced their stock levels and are placing orders in a controlled manner. Exports are developing positively.
Bicycle production rose by 6 per cent compared with the same period last year. Sales climbed by 10 per cent. Growth in the e-bike sector was more moderate: production rose by 4 per cent, whilst sales figures increased by 2 per cent. Overall, production of bicycles and e-bikes rose from 1,370,000 to 1,440,000, whilst sales rose from 2,200,000 to 2,320,000. Bicycle sales alone accounted for around 100,000 of this figure. Retailers remain cautious when placing orders, but have at the same time managed to reduce most of their excess stock. Gravel bikes are gaining ground in the mid- and low-price segments. Entry-level hardtail mountain bikes are once again recording a slight increase in sales figures.
The bicycle market and exports
Exports of bicycles and e-bikes have picked up again. Exports are more than 6 per cent higher than in the same period last year. The ZIV’s member companies export 1.4 million vehicles annually. Around 90 per cent of the bicycles and e-bikes produced in Germany come from the association’s 140 member companies. Burkhard Stork, Managing Director of the ZIV, views developments in the bicycle market positively. In his opinion, the industry has passed the worst of the downturn and the market is picking up again. The use of bicycles and e-bikes is rising steadily, and the market remains stable in the long term.
Service and Aftermarket
Specialist retailers’ workshops are reporting very high capacity utilisation. Demand for repairs and servicing remains high. The shortage of skilled workers is posing challenges for the sector, as there is a lack of qualified staff. The aftermarket is performing well: wear parts and accessories are showing significant growth.
Mixed signals from Taiwan
Reports from bicycle manufacturers in Taiwan are key indicators of long-term market trends. The Giant Group reported a decline in turnover and profit in the first half of the year. However, a significant rise in demand – and consequently in turnover – was evident in the second quarter. Merida’s turnover in the first half of the year fell by 13.2 per cent compared with the previous year. Merida, too, saw an increase in demand in the second quarter. Ideal’s turnover in the first half of the year fell by 20 per cent compared with the previous year, and the company once again recorded losses. Giant stated that it was “cautiously optimistic” about the remainder of the financial year. It noted that stock levels in Europe had recovered significantly and were approaching normal levels.
Bankruptcies are weighing on the bicycle market
Current insolvencies continue to cause problems. Simplon’s latest insolvency shows that even companies in the sports cycling sector can find themselves in long-term difficulties. However, given its modest size, this has little significance for the market as a whole. The insolvency of the Accell Group is, however, relevant to the market as a whole. Together with its subsidiaries, it accounts for a large share of the market. The European bicycle and e-bike manufacturer (Haibike, Ghost, Lapierre, Raleigh, etc.) sold 845,000 bikes in 2022, generating a turnover of 1.4 billion euros. The Accell Group is a major player in the European e-bike sector and, according to its own figures, the second-largest supplier of bicycle parts and accessories. The further course of the insolvency proceedings will have an impact on the bicycle market in Europe.
Encouraging signs from Bike24
Back in August, the online retailer Bike24 had already reported positive financial results. In the first half of 2026, Bike24 increased its turnover to €166.9 million, representing growth of 20.8 per cent. The company observed rising demand for complete bikes, “particularly in the gravel and road bike segments.” The online retailer is also optimistic about the full year: “The company continues to expect turnover of between €318 million and €332 million, as well as adjusted EBITDA of between €16 million and €20 million.”
Kristian Bauer
Editor