Tag Archive: Bicycle market

  1. Cargo bikes one of the bright spots for Swiss bike market as it faces pressure

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    Source: SAZ Bike

    Although figures from 2024 reveal that Switzerland’s bike secctor has experienced a decline in revenue, its cargo bike segment remains promising, with a 22% increase in sales.

    2024 bicycle sales results in Switzerland

    The Swiss bicycle market saw a surprising trend in 2024, with higher unit sales but reduced overall revenue. According to the latest Velohandel Schweiz 2025 market bulletin, published by the Swiss bicycle communications office Dynamot, approximately 453,000 bicycles and e-bikes were sold in Switzerland, an increase of around 7% compared to the previous year. However, total revenue fell by over 6% to CHF 1.81 billion, marking the lowest turnover for the sector since 2018.

    Overstock and discounts undermine profitability

    The primary factor behind the decline in sales revenue was the widespread liquidation of overstocked inventory, a consequence of the pandemic-era supply surplus. To clear excess stock, both retailers and manufacturers resorted to steep discounts, significantly compressing profit margins. The closure of specialist stores under the Migros Group – namely SportX and Bike World – intensified the market’s price competition, with some manufacturers slashing their own suggested retail prices by up to 50%.

    Workshop services and accessories offer stability

    Despite challenges in retail sales, several areas provided a measure of stability for the Swiss bike trade. Sales of accessories and spare parts rebounded following a sluggish performance in the previous year. Notably, the workshop and service sector saw record revenues in 2024, underlining the growing importance of after-sales services in the overall business model of specialist retailers.

    Cargo bikes: a promising standout in the Swiss market

    While traditional mountain bikes saw declining interest, certain niche categories delivered promising growth. Sales of gravel bikes rose by 15%, while cargo bikes surged by 22%. The popularity of cargo bikes was driven by the introduction of more compact, urban-friendly models. These segments not only showed strong sales momentum but also experienced healthier inventory levels and more stable pricing conditions.

    Regional comparison with Germany

    Switzerland’s market dynamics closely mirrored those in neighbouring Germany. The German Bicycle Industry Association (ZIV) reported a 2.5% drop in unit sales and a 10% decline in turnover, bringing total 2024 sales to €6.33 billion. Like in Switzerland, German retailers contended with warehouse overhangs and aggressive discounting, leading to an average e-bike price drop of more than 10%.

    Despite the downward pressure on margins, the German workshop sector remained a vital source of revenue, and product trends followed a similar trajectory: classic mountain bikes lost traction, while gravel and cargo bikes gained popularity, aided by leasing models and municipal subsidy programs.

    Outlook for 2025

    Looking ahead, both the Swiss and German markets anticipate further adjustments in 2025, with expectations for more stable pricing in high-demand segments. In Germany, initiatives such as service bike leasing, public funding, and improved cycling infrastructure may help to enable growth.

    In Switzerland, the importance of workshop services is expected to increase further, and industry stakeholders are anticipated to focus toward higher-margin product groups to counterbalance the revenue shortfalls seen in recent years.

  2. More e-bikes sold than standard bicycles for the first time in Germany

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    Source: ZIV

    German bicycle industry association, ZIV, has recently presented positive findings from its 2023 report on the German bicycle market.

    ZIV’s CEO Burkhard Stork has highlighted great results for the German industry, despite the region experiencing a negative consumer climate, “Despite the current economic situation, bicycles and e-bikes remain very popular among consumers.”

    Bicycle sales and production levels high, with e-bikes leading the charge

    ZIV has reported that German bicycle production and sales figures have once again reached very high levels in 2023, similar to those of 2020, when COVID-19 effects prompted a surge in bicycle popularity. Notably, report findings reveal that e-bikes are driving the industry for most product categories, and have overtaken standard bicycle sales for the first time ever; with electric bikes holding a 53% share of the market (with sales of 2.1 million), and non-electric bicycles accounting for 43% of sales (1.9 million units sold). In 2022 the conventional bicycle occupied 52% of sales with e-bikes trailing at 48%.

    High bicycle demand in Germany reflected by sales figures

    Sales figures for bicycles (electric and non-electric) remained at the considerably high amount of €7.06 billion for last year. “Overall, the market data shows very clearly that people in Germany greatly value cycling in everyday life and recreation, along with the associated high-quality products,” says ZIV CEO Burkhard Stork. That data shows that although Germany experienced a difficult 2023 consumer climate, German citizens still recognised the need for high-quality, innovative bicycle technology from retail specialists, with schemes such as employer bicycle leasing also being a popular purchasing solution in Germany’s economic context.

    ZIV predicts a positive outlook for Germany’s bicycle industry

    ZIV CEO Burkhard Stork believes that economic, environmental and health benefits will continue to boost bicycle demand in Germany, saying: “The rising mobility, energy, rent and living costs, coupled with a growing environmental and health awareness, are conditions that boost the popularity of bicycles and e-bikes – both now and undoubtedly also in the future. Policymakers mustn’t forget bicycles and must finally fully recognise their potential.”

  3. Mintel UK bike market prediction expects £1 billion in 2024

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    Source: Cycling Industry News

    The UK bike market is anticipated to undergo a positive shift in 2024, as indicated by the latest forecast from Mintel. The projections highlight growth areas in e-bikes, second-hand bicycles, and increased female participation in cycling.

    According to the research, new bicycle sales are expected to climb 12% in 2024, reaching 2.1 million bikes. This marks a recovery from previous years’ 11% decline to 1.9 million bike sales. This represents a total 42% drop from the peak in 2020 when 3.3 million bikes were sold.

    The forecast also predicts a 15% increase in the value of new bike sales, reaching nearly £1 billion (£998 million) in 2024. This follows a 15% decline in annual sales to £868 million in 2023, continuing a gradual fall in yearly bike sales since 2020.

    However, the prediction of rising bike sales in 2024 may spark debate within the industry, with high inventory levels and consumer spending power combining to limit market potential. The market has witnessed notable difficulties, including high profile administrations, redundancies, buyouts, and rescue loans in response to challenging market conditions.

    Mintel’s report also anticipates growth in the UK’s e-bike market, with electric assist bicycles being the preferred choice for cyclists in the coming year. Approximately 19% of prospective bike buyers plan to purchase an e-bike, signalling a potential uptick in this segment.

    Of particular interest is the increasing interest in cycling among women aged 16-64, with over 40% of women under 45 and 34% of those aged 45-64 expressing interest in cycling. This is interesting to contrast with recent discussions on women’s cycling experiences in London.

    Furthermore, the report highlights a growing preference for second-hand bicycles, posing a potential threat to new bike sales. Half of current and potential cyclists indicate a greater likelihood of considering a used bicycle compared to the previous year.

    Mintel’s Category Director for Leisure Research underscores the impact of rising living costs on demand for new bikes, citing a recovery in demand driven by easing inflation, wage growth, and retailer discounts. The cost of living has also led 34% of Brits to cycle more to reduce spending on petrol and public transport. Looking ahead, continued investment in cycling infrastructure and a focus on sustainable travel are expected to further drive demand. Nevertheless, the expanding second-hand market, including major players like Halfords, presents a challenge to the growth of new bike sales.

  4. Keep it simple – the new Pendix eDrive IN

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    At the last IAA mobility, LEVA-EU member Pendix, market leader for retrofit drives in the bicycle market, presented a revolutionary drive that is to be used mainly in the B2B sector for cargo bikes. This gives Pendix an additional pillar for the retrofit drive, because the Pendix eDrive IN creates new possibilities for bicycle construction, but is installed directly by the OEMs. There are already numerous interested parties and pre-orders, although the drive has not yet been delivered. Christian Hennig was in charge of the development. We spoke to him about the drive.

    The Pendix eDrive IN is available as an innovative serial hybrid variant and in combination with a chain drive, i.e. a mechanical drive train. How did the idea come about?

    The market for cargo bikes is growing and growing, the bikes are also becoming more and more popular in the professional sector. We have therefore thought about how we can meet the requirements for an electric drive specifically for this application. Both privately and commercially used bikes should focus on the necessary performance in order to be able to move heavy loads safely and comfortably. Of course, reliability also plays an important role, especially if a cargo bike is to be used as a replacement for a car.

    The new drive system caused quite a stir at the IAA in Munich. Why?

    The serial hybrid system in particular is better suited for cargo bikes by one decisive characteristic. By using a pedal generator, all mechanical wear parts of the conventional drive train such as chains, chainrings, or sprockets are eliminated. This increases reliability and significantly reduces maintenance costs. In addition, the entire space between the wheels can be used.

    How does the Pendix serial hybrid version work?

    The system basically consists of a pedal generator, one or more drive motors, and a battery. The pedal generator is located on the bottom bracket, which converts the mechanical pedaling movement of the rider into electrical energy and then transmits this directly to the drive motors in the rear wheels. The generator can generate torque to give the rider a natural pedaling feel, very similar to that of a conventional bike. In addition to the driver’s performance, additional energy is supplied to the drive motors from a battery in order to ensure the necessary performance for moving a cargo bike safely and comfortably.

    Where do you see potential uses for the new drive?

    I see possible uses in cargo bikes where it is important to use the available space in the best possible way. In newer vehicle concepts, in particular, one often sees a very elaborately designed drive train with up to four chains connected in series in order to mechanically transmit the power from the driver to the rear wheels. This is exactly where there is a great advantage since the installation space can be used. In addition, many wearing parts of the mechanical power transmission are eliminated, which often cause unwanted downtimes of the bicycle, especially with intensively used cargo bikes.

    There are already other manufacturers who also offer a serial hybrid drive. Are there any significant differences in the functions? What are the advantages of your product?

    In principle, the functionality and range of functions of the various systems are quite similar. Our previous Pendix eDrive system was always developed according to the principle of “keep it simple”, and we are continuing this with this product. Generator and drive motors are based on the same engine concept and have been optimized in terms of function. Here, too, we offer a system in which the components come from a single source and are perfectly matched to each other. Functions such as gear shifting or reversing can be solved by software in the future. Of course, our proven Pendix.bike PRO app will also be used with this product in order to be able to provide the rider with useful information, customization of the riding profile and firmware updates over-the-air, and at the same time to support the service partner with diagnosis.

    At the end of the day, is the vehicle actually still a pedelec?

    This question can be answered with a clear yes. After years of back and forth, the European Commission decided at the beginning of 2022 that bicycles with a serial-hybrid drive system are on an equal footing with conventional pedelecs with a mechanical drive train. In order to maintain technology neutrality, it doesn’t matter whether the bike is equipped with a mechanical chain or not – as long as the drive only provides support and the rider also pedals. For us, our new drive was the next step in bicycle evolution right from the development stage. That’s why we’re happy to now also have support from Brussels.