September 14, 2026 - (Berlin, GER) The review of the first half of 2026 shows that, following a challenging few years, the bicycle and e-bike market is gaining momentum again. Production and sales are on the rise and surplus stock has largely been reduced. The industry is back on solid ground – and looking to the future with optimism.
Bicycle production grew 6 percent compared to the same period last year and sales almost 10 percent. The trend is also positive for e-bikes: production rose more than 4 percent and sales around 2 percent. While retailers remain restrained in their ordering, surplus stock has largely been cleared. Exports of e-bikes and bicycles have also rebounded and are more than 6 percent higher than during the same period last year.
ZIV CEO Burkhard Stork views these developments with cautious optimism: “The first six months of the year show that we’ve now passed the lowest point. The industry is stable and the market is picking up again. That’s a good sign. The positive trend gives us cause for optimism. We know that bicycle and e-bike usage is gradually increasing and that our market is stable in the long run.”
Another sign of the continued enthusiasm for cycling in Germany is that retailers’ workshops remain very busy. The shortage of skilled workers remains a key challenge, though, as the demand for repairs and servicing shows no sign of abating. The aftermarket is also developing well, with significant growth in wear parts and accessories.
Particularly encouraging is that gravel bikes are also growing in relevance in the mid- and low-price segments. Sales of entry-level hardtail mountain bikes have also risen again slightly. Burkhard Stork: “People want to cycle. It improves their health, helps to protect the climate and takes pressure off our towns and cities. The bicycle industry provides suitable products for every occasion and every budget. It is crucial that the policymakers now create the right framework conditions through targeted investments in the industry and infrastructure.”
ZIV – German Bicycle Industry
The ZIV is the national representative body and a strong voice for both the German and international bicycle industry. It represents stakeholders from across the entire bicycle ecosystem – from importers and wholesalers to established businesses and start-ups. As an industry association, the ZIV brings together and represents the interests of around 140 member companies vis-à-vis lawmakers in the EU and Germany, the German government, authorities, media, institutions and organisations. Around 90 percent of the bicycles and e-bikes produced in Germany in 2025 were from ZIV member companies, which export 1.4 million units every year in addition to sales on the domestic market.
