German bicycle and e-bike market shows early recovery as inventories decline
German bicycle production rose 6% in the first half of 2026, while sales increased by nearly 10%. E-bike output grew by more than 4%, sales rose around 2%, and combined exports gained more than 6% as excess inventories eased.
Production and sales return to growth
Germany’s bicycle and e-bike market showed signs of recovery in the first half of 2026 after several difficult years. According to a half-year assessment released by industry association ZIV on September 7, manufacturers increased output and sales compared with the same period of 2025, while companies and retailers largely reduced the excess inventories accumulated during the previous downturn.
Conventional bicycle production rose 6% year on year, and sales increased by nearly 10%. The e-bike segment also expanded, although at a slower pace: production grew by more than 4%, while sales advanced around 2%. The difference between the two categories indicates a stronger initial rebound for conventional bicycles, but both contributed to an improvement in the industry’s first-half performance.
Lower inventories support cautious ordering
Retailers remain careful when placing new orders, according to ZIV. That caution reflects the disruption experienced after inventories built up across the supply chain in previous years. The fact that most of those surplus stocks have now been cleared reduces pressure from discounted products and gives producers and distributors a firmer basis for planning future orders. It does not, however, guarantee that the recovery will continue at the same pace.
Foreign demand also improved. German exports of bicycles and e-bikes were more than 6% higher than in the first half of 2025. The sources did not provide shipment volumes, export values or destination markets, but the increase suggests that overseas sales are contributing alongside the domestic market. ZIV managing director Burkhard Stork said the figures showed that the low point had passed and that the market was beginning to move again.
Service demand remains strong
Activity is not limited to sales of new bicycles. ZIV reported that workshops operated by bicycle retailers remain very well utilized because demand for repairs and servicing is still high. Sales of wear parts and accessories are also recording clear gains. This aftermarket activity offers dealers a source of revenue even while they remain cautious about replenishing inventories, although a continuing shortage of skilled workers limits workshop capacity.
Some product categories are gaining momentum. Gravel bikes are becoming more important in the middle and lower price segments, while entry-level hardtail mountain bikes are again recording slightly higher sales. These developments broaden the recovery beyond premium products. ZIV has called for targeted public investment in industry and cycling infrastructure, but pedelec-elektro-fahrrad.de noted that the German government recently rejected demands for stronger support for cycling. The publication also pointed to current insolvencies involving Accell and Simplon as evidence that the industry remains under substantial pressure. The first-half figures therefore mark measurable improvement, but the durability of the recovery will depend on demand, disciplined inventory management and companies’ ability to operate amid financial and labor constraints.
