The German Bicycle Industry Association (ZIV) has released market data for the first quarter of 2025. According to ZIV CEO Burkhard Stork, “The overall sentiment in the bicycle market has improved, including demand for bicycle parts. The sector is showing signs of stability.”
1. Sales Performance
In Q1 2025, end-user sales in Germany’s bicycle market exceeded the same period last year. By the end of March, 385,000 bicycles were sold, a 10% increase compared to 350,000 units in Q1 2024. E-bike sales reached 500,000 units, marking an 11% rise from 450,000 in the previous year.
In total, sales of bicycles and e-bikes amounted to 885,000 units in the first quarter—up nearly 11% from 800,000 units in Q1 2024. However, ZIV data shows a slight dip in sales during April and May, bringing overall spring season growth (up to the end of May) to around 5% year-on-year.
2. Production Trends
Germany’s bicycle manufacturers produced approximately 520,000 e-bikes in Q1 2025, an increase of nearly 16% compared to the same period in 2024. During this time, 240,000 non-electric bicycles were produced, up almost 10% from the previous year.
Altogether, the industry manufactured around 760,000 bicycles and e-bikes in Q1, representing a 13.5% rise from 670,000 units in Q1 2024.
However, ZIV CEO Burkhard Stork emphasized: “The first three months of the year can only serve as a limited indicator for the full year. This period is typically used to prepare for the peak season, with pre-production for the upcoming quarter. The data offers some insight but doesn’t fully reflect actual annual sales.”
3. Import & Export Activity
In the first quarter of 2025, Germany exported around 182,000 bicycles—up nearly 25% from 146,000 in Q1 2024. E-bike exports reached 156,000 units, showing a more modest growth of about 7% compared to 146,000 in the previous year. Altogether, 338,000 bicycles and e-bikes were exported, marking a 16% increase from 292,000 units in Q1 2024.
On the import side, Germany brought in 439,000 bicycles and 202,000 e-bikes during Q1 2025. This represents a 30% rise in bicycle imports (from 339,000 units in 2024) and a 24% increase in e-bike imports (from 163,000 units). The total import volume reached 641,000 units—up nearly 28% compared to 502,000 in the same period last year.
Outlook
ZIV anticipates that 2025 will remain a challenging year for manufacturers and retailers of bicycles, e-bikes, and bike components. Burkhard Stork noted: “We are still on the path toward normalization in the bicycle market. We see light at the end of the tunnel in 2026, which could signal the end of this difficult phase.”
However, he also cautioned that this year’s double-digit growth figures should be interpreted carefully. Given the weak base in 2024, such growth does not yet confirm that the market has fully returned to normal.
