Bicycles market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2019 and 2022, the German bicycle market experienced notable shifts. After a decline to 3.1 million units in 2020, the market recovered to 3.3 million units in 2021, supported by a sustained boom in e-bikes and cargo bikes, which boosted demand. Growth accelerated in 2022, with the market reaching 3.9 million units, largely driven by the expansion of corporate bicycle leasing (Dienstradleasing), which emerged as a central growth driver.

By 2024, the market contracted sharply to 2.1 million units. This downturn was primarily caused by accumulated inventories from previous years of overproduction, coupled with consumer restraint amid economic uncertainty. The amended Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) also came into force, easing the creation of cycling infrastructure, though it could not offset the immediate decline.

Throughout the period, structural shifts shaped the market, with e-bikes—including cargo models—stabilizing at around 53% of sales, and sports bicycles like gravel bikes gaining popularity. The market also saw continued dynamism in the leasing segment, even as overall volume fell.

Production bicycles in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Germany's bicycle production was valued at 793.2 million US dollars, marking a significant decrease of 11.0% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

In 2020, Germany produced 1 297 thousand units of bicycles, representing a reduction of 14.6% year-on-year.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Exports bicycles from Germany

Exports in kind, K unit

Germany's bicycle exports grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 1 006 thousand units, reflecting a modest increase of 6.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 8.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 2.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 860 thousand units, which also saw the largest decline of 7.2%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 10.3% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Austria, and France were the largest buyers of German bicycles, accounting for 28.4%, 11.5%, and 7.6% of exports in kind, respectively. However, their combined share was limited to 47.5% of total exports, indicating a diversified country structure.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Germany's bicycle exports in value terms increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 770.2 million US dollars, showing a strong gain of 16.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 13.2%, with an annualized rate of 4.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 609.4 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 10.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's bicycle exports in value terms were not heavily concentrated. The Netherlands, Austria, and France accounted for 29.6%, 9.2%, and 7.9% of exports, respectively, but together they captured only 46.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020

Imports bicycles to Germany

Imports in kind, K unit

After a two-year rise, Germany's bicycle import volume declined. In 2020, imports totaled 2 814 thousand units, down by 5.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 2.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 985 thousand units, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 4.4% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, Cambodia, Poland, and Bulgaria were among the largest suppliers of bicycles to Germany, representing 21.8%, 11.4%, and 10.5% of imports in kind, respectively. Even combined, they accounted for just 43.7% of total imports, reflecting a broadly diversified partner base.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Germany's bicycle imports in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 827.3 million US dollars, which is 3.6% higher than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 16.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's bicycle imports in value terms were characterized by a broad spread across markets. Cambodia, the Netherlands, and Bulgaria accounted for 20.4%, 14.2%, and 9.8% of imports, respectively, but together they represented only 44.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020