Last year, according to the Two-Wheeler Industry Association (ZIV), more e-bikes were sold than conventional bicycles in Germany for the first time. The bicycle industry was satisfied: “Bicycles and e-bikes are very popular with consumers despite the economic situation,” said ZIV managing director Burkhard Stork.
According to the association, 2.1 million e-bikes and 1.9 million conventional bicycles were sold in Germany in 2023. What is outstanding is the high share of specialist retailers, which rose by one percentage point to 77 percent in 2023, while self-service department stores, hardware stores and discounters with a market share of one percent (minus 1 percentage point) continued to lose importance.
Overall, the number of bicycles and e-bikes in Germany will continue to grow in 2023, as in previous years – to 84 million (in 2022 there were 82.8 million), with a share of around eleven million e-bikes. In addition to new purchases, the ZIV sees a trend towards purchasing second and third bikes. Market saturation is therefore currently not expected.
Contrary to expectations and the general negative consumer climate, both bicycle production and bicycle sales have once again reached a high level in 2023. After a temporary slump in demand, it was even comparable to the corona-related bicycle boom year of 2020.
An e-bike cost an average of 2,950 euros in 2023
The association described sales in the bicycle industry last year as stable at a high level: the value of bicycles and e-bikes sold in Germany was 7.06 billion euros. In 2022 it was 7.36 billion euros, in 2021 6.56 billion euros and in 2019 around 4 billion. The value of the products is also reflected in the sales prices. In 2023, the industry will record a gross average price for bicycles of 470 euros and for e-bikes of 2,950 euros. “Overall, the market data shows very clearly that people in Germany attach great importance to cycling in everyday life and in their leisure time and the associated high-quality products,” said Stork.
Despite the sometimes difficult market situation, the Service and Bicycle Association (VSF) also draws positive conclusions. “The stationary bicycle retail trade is remarkably stable in turbulent times,” said VSF managing director Uwe Wöll.
ZIV managing director Stork is certain that the attractiveness of bicycles and e-bikes will remain high in view of rising costs in many areas combined with increasing health and environmental awareness among consumers.