Tag Archive: germany

  1. Report on the bicycle logistics market in Germany

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    Source: Pedelec Elektro Fahrrad Image credit: German Bicycle Logistics Association (RLVD)

    The German Bicycle Logistics Association (RLVD) has cooperated with the Wildau University of Applied Sciences for this report on the sector’s 2026 status, with figures demonstrating a good starting position. However it is noted that its ecosystem has stagnated for the first time with no profit. It reports that last year cargo bikes were used to travel approximately 5.4 million kilometres, calculated to having saved around 1,400 tonnes of CO₂.

    The report indicates that after years of growth, the German bicycle logistics sector has stagnated for the first time. Although its figures demonstrate stable development, they do not reveal the typical growth rates as shown in previous years, with the report citing a weak economic situation and political framework conditions as the main reasons.

    Stable stagnation, but the employment rate has doubled since 2020

    The sector’s total revenue of €189.5 million is almost the same as the previous year. In terms of employment, there are currently 5,486 people working in the sector’s ecosystem, a moderate decrease in comparison to the previous year. However, employment has been more positive in the long term, with the number of jobs having doubled since 2020.

    Bicycle logistics production and operation figures

    Cargo bike and trailer production numbers have remained steady at approximately 37,000 units annually. The number of operating bike logistics companies has decreased from 112 to 107, interpreted as an initial indicator of consolidation, which is typical of more mature markets.

    Positives in safety and climate change effects

    Although the industry is experiencing economic stagnation, the report highlights the ecological benefits the sector brings to the transportation in Germany. Cargo bikes were used to travel approximately 5.4 million kilometres in 2025, which has been calculated to have saved around 1,400 tonnes of CO₂.

    Like previous years, there have been no fatal accidents involving cargo bike use, reinforcing the transportation mode as a safe, urban transportation solution.

    Growth in sub-segments

    Although the number of transportation companies has been decreasing slightly, the ecosystem is expanding in other areas, with the number of manufacturers expanding by 8% and segments including trade, service and workshops growing by 6%.

    The report also reveals cargo bike applications are increasingly diversifying with them being used for other applications beyond traditional logistics processes such as crafts, municipal services and internal transportation.

    Cautious optimism from the industry about the coming years

    From companies surveyed, the following numbers have stated the following:

    • 84% expect at least stable revenue for 2026
    • Around half are anticipating growth
    • 35% are aiming to recruit for additional positions
    • 46% number of employees to remain the same

    In regards to the medium term period, the industry’s outlook is more ambitious, with an average annual growth of 14% expected over the next five years.

    Calls for improved policymaking

    The report summarises expectations of policymakers, which include calls for consistently expanding cycling infrastructure and measures for improving road safety.

    The stakeholders are also calling for a legal framework for commercial cargo bikes which is innovation-friendly. In regards to economic policy, there are requests for a reliable funding environment, improved conditions for start-up and stronger CO₂ pricing on the agenda.

    Perspectives from industry and research leaders

    The CEO of the RLVD, Ernst Brust, has summarised that the current industry developments should be interpreted as signal for action being needed toward progressing a political framework which consistently supports climate friendly logistics solutions like cargo bikes which has have high energy efficiency, a clear advantage of over conventional commercial vehicles.

    Christian Rudolph from the Wildau University of Applied Science highlights that bicycle logistics is showing resilience in established markets, and that although there is consolidation, there is no slump and innovation is continuing. He is of the opinion that bicycle logistics no longer has a niche status and is maturing further with its own independent ecosystem.

    A mature market with new beginnings

    The 2026 reports reveals the market is transitioning – although the rapid growth phase has ended for now, there are structural adjustments underway. Report implications state that provided the political framework adapts to the market needs, bicycle logistics can remain a significant part of sustainable urban mobility with promising prospects.

  2. 1.4 million privately owned e-scooters and 12.2 million e-bikes in Germany, data shows

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    Sources: Cycling Industry News, Heise, IndexBox

    Figures published by the German Federal Statistical Office, Destatis, have revealed that private ownership of electric scooters and bikes in Germany is soaring. 2.9% of households own at least one e-scooter, and numbers of e-bikes not requiring a licence reached 12.2 million in 2023.

    The private ownership of electric micromobility devices can be assessed in comparison to the increasing popularity of shared-use schemes for urban travel and last-mile connectivity, with access to shared-use vehicles being subject to shifting policy and regulations.

    Germany is seeing strong growth towards electric mobility of all kinds, and it has been reported that there are now in total over 17 million e-bikes on the country’s roads – a marked contrast to its approximately 2 million electric cars.

    Figures show that there is at least one standard e-bike (excluding speed pedelecs) in every fifth German household, at 20.6%. This is in contrast to figures for 2018, where 3.8 million e-bikes represented only 7% of households. Ownership of any type of bike is high in the country, with 78.4% of households containing a total of 74.9 million bicycles in 2023.

  3. Survey reveals shifts in Europe’s e-bike sales and use

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    Source: Bike Europe

    Consumer intelligence specialists NielsenIQ (NIQ) have released the results of the GfK E-Bike Monitor 2025 survey, conducted across Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Shifts in e-bike usage scenarios and shopping habits are revealed.

    The Monitor is based on surveys of 2,000 Netherlands-based consumers, and 1,000 in each of Belgium, France and Germany.

    Infrastructure influence

    Those countries with more developed cycling infrastructure are seeing a greater uptake of e-bikes for regular and long-distance cycling, such as commuting, with the Netherlands and Germany both seeing a shift towards everyday functionality, rather than mainly recreational use. Belgian respondents indicate a desire for active mobility, and a car-free transport sentiment, is a factor in purchasing an e-bike.

    Purchasing habits

    The Monitor shows that France is the largest market for online e-bike sales, with 43% of respondents having purchased theirs this way. In contrast, and despite higher offline prices compared to online, German consumers are more likely to buy in bricks-and-mortar stores, with 64% of e-bike purchases made in bike shops, with a preference for test rides and in-person advice a key factor. The figures are similar in Belgium, where 68% of e-bikes are purchased offline, and 32% online. In the Netherlands, 25% of survey respondents had purchased online – an increase on previous years for the country.

    After-sales concerns and leasing

    Theft is a key concern in all the countries surveyed. 18% of French respondents have lost an e-bike to theft, followed by 16% in Belgium, 13% in Germany and 11% in the Netherlands. As a result, many purchasers explore theft protection as an add-on.

    In the Netherlands, there is close attention by consumers to factors such as battery life, warranty periods, and maintenance arrangements. As a result, additional paid-for services are popular, and there is a moderate yet stable interest in e-bike leasing. Germany has a strong leasing-as-an-employee-perk culture, while private leasing and finance options are also popular in both Germany and France.

  4. German logistics association speaks out on adjusting infrastructure for cargo bikes

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    Source: Pedelecs & E-bikes

    The German Cycling Logistics Association, Radlogistikverband Deutschland (RLVD), has joined the country’s debate on the use of cargo bikes on narrow cycle lanes, taking a stance against blanket bans or restrictions. RLVD instead argues for constructive dialogue with the aim of improving urban traffic safety while pursuing sustainable transport goals.

    RLVD Chairman Ernst Brust outlined the parameters of the debate: “The current discussion shows one thing above all: we are facing a shared infrastructural challenge. Conflicts arise where traffic areas are too narrow, unclearly designed, or overloaded. This situation affects pedestrian, bicycle, and car traffic equally.”

    Discussions in Germany have included proposed potential restrictions for the use of cargo bikes on narrower cycle and shared-use paths, alongside suggestions of stricter penalties, or for mandatory drivers’ licenses, with many of the proposals coming from pedestrian-traffic advocates Fuss eV. However, RLVD questions the evidence basis of a growing or significant problem posed to pedestrians by cargo bikes, and states that the introduction of heavy measures would be counter-productive. “Such a regulation would be disproportionate, bureaucratic, and would burden both families and businesses,” says Brust. “Our common goal should be to minimize risks – not to create new obstacles to climate-friendly mobility.”

    A statement issued by Fuss eV included an example of Germany’s largest cargo bike, which measures 7.5m long. RLVD points out that the average commercial cargo bike is much smaller, “about half as wide, half as long, and half as fast as a conventional delivery van.”

    RLVD does emphasise the need for cargo bike riders, especially commercial, to act responsibly, stating, “Security arises from competence, mutual respect and clear framework conditions – not solely from prohibitions.” They propose voluntary, practical safety and vehicle training, to include, among other things:

    • Braking exercises (empty/loaded, dry/wet)
    • Evasive maneuvering
    • Cornering and stability training
    • Maneuvering and safe parking
    • Cargo and child safety devices
    • Technical checks before departure
    • Infrastructure- and situation-related rules of conduct

    RLVD points to the development of a future-proof cycling infrastructure as a key aspect in preventing conflict. Factors include:

    • Sufficient minimum widths of mandatory cycle paths
    • Clear structural separation of pedestrian and bicycle traffic
    • Safe intersection and bus stop areas
    • Low-conflict solutions in construction site situations

    “We invite FUSS eV to join us and other stakeholders in a structured exchange,” said Ernst Brust. “Our common goal is clear: Vision Zero, a fair distribution of public space, and a transport revolution that combines safety, climate protection, and urban life.“

  5. First comprehensive market figures on bike sharing and subscription models in Germany

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    Source: Radmarkt

    For the first time, official market data has revealed the scale of bike sharing and bicycle subscription services in Germany. According to figures released by the trade association Zukunft Fahrrad (Future Bicycle), there are currently around 115,000 shared bicycles in operation nationwide, including over 57,000 e-bikes and approximately 1,950 cargo bikes, while an estimated 100,000 bicycles are being used through private subscription models.

    A shift from ownership to usage

    The new data, presented by Wasilis von Rauch, Managing Director of Zukunft Fahrrad, has highlighted a broader mobility trend in Germany: that users are moving away from private ownership toward flexible usage. Subscription and sharing systems offer broader and more equitable access to bicycles with predictable monthly costs that include insurance and maintenance, without the need for large upfront purchases.

    Although the number of leased or purchased bicycles remains higher overall, the report notes that shared and subscription-based cycling has surpassed traditional car-sharing in scale. With approximately 45,000 car-sharing vehicles in Germany, there are now more than twice as many private bicycle subscriptions and two and a half times as many shared bicycles in use.

    Von Rauch explains the findings, “Attractive sharing and subscription models maximize the use of existing resources. They also get people on bikes who can’t afford their own. With social tariffs, politicians could give even more people access to comfortable bikes. Funds from the Climate Social Plan would be better invested here than exclusively in social leasing of electric cars.”

    Integration into public transport

    Bike sharing is increasingly seen as an essential component of public transport. Ann-Kathrin Schneider, Managing Director of the German Platform for Mobility Management (DEPOMM), emphasized the importance of rental bikes in German mobility. “Rental bikes now have as much of a place in German cities as buses. About half of users combine them with buses or trains – it’s an important component of local transport infrastructure.”

    Many municipalities are now calling for bike-sharing systems to be formally recognized as part of local public transport infrastructure and to receive funding accordingly.

    Social and environmental benefits

    Von Rauch summarised Zukunft Fahrrad’s findings in the context of German mobility, stating, “Bike sharing and bike subscriptions are no longer a marginal phenomenon, but a key pillar of the transport transition – socially, ecologically, and economically sensible at the same time.”

    The full market data can be accessed on the Zukunft Fahrrad website.

  6. E-bikes and cargo bikes’ potential to transform Germany’s corporate mobility

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    Source: Velobiz

    With 41% of Germany’s passenger travel being work-related, more could be done to expand the share that is completed by e-bike. A range of experts in Germany’s e-bike, cycling and business sectors spoke to Velobiz about the untapped potential – particularly for shorter journeys.

    Six senior figures were posed the question “Where do you see untapped potential for bicycles in corporate mobility, and how can this potential be tapped?”

    A variety of factors and usage scenarios were examined to determine what steps can be taken to further encourage the switch to e-bikes, cargo bikes and conventional cycles for work-related travel.

    Creating a cargo bike-friendly environment

    Carina Heinz, Consultant at the German Institute of Urban Affairs, viewed the situation from a municipal perspective and highlighted the great potential for cargo bike use to be maximised. “Municipalities play a key role in unlocking this potential: They are the driving force! On the one hand, they can set a good example themselves – for example, by integrating cargo bikes into municipally owned operations, public utilities, or administrative fleets. On the other hand, they can create the right framework for companies to also embrace cycling: by designating suitable delivery and loading zones, providing safe parking and charging infrastructure, implementing targeted funding programs, and supporting corporate mobility management processes.”

    Eileen Niehaus, Managing Director of transport transition agency Cargobike.jetzt, agrees that there is enormous potential for the deployment of cargo bikes and trailers, specifically in the commercial sector for the delivery of medium-weight, not-too-bulky goods. “Especially as a supplement to existing fleets, bicycles offer enormous advantages: time savings by avoiding traffic jams and no longer having to search for parking spaces, savings in purchase and maintenance, the ability to employ employees without a driver’s license, and much more.”

    Eileen went on to share details of a website they have created, cargobikes4business.com, which aims to better inform business owners about which type of cargo bike or trailer set-up would be most suitable for their business. She also emphasises the importance of trying some of the options out: “When businesses test bikes or trailers, they can best see how useful they are and even how fun they can be.”

    The outlook for commuters

    Axel Schäfer, Managing Director of the Federal Association for Corporate Mobility, shared data from their own survey which shows that over a quarter of employees have short commutes of five kilometers or less, but still more travel by car than by bike. Encouragingly, however, 21% of employees indicate they plan to change mobility behaviour in the next few years, and cycling features in those plans.

    Axel highlights how a combination of employer policies and municipal measures can facilitate this switch: “Companies can tap into this potential by actively facilitating cycling: company bike leasing, secure parking spaces, charging infrastructure for e-bikes, and showers and changing rooms at the workplace are key factors. However, it is also crucial that municipalities provide continuous and safe bike paths. Only the combination of employer-provided services and good infrastructure creates the foundation for cycling to become a viable alternative in everyday working life.”

    Berthold Schröder, President of the Chamber of Crafts (HWK) Dortmund, agrees that a bike-positive employment situation can be the deciding factor for potential employees: “Some companies, both in urban and rural areas, already offer their employees company bikes. There are many reasons for this. In addition to environmental and health concerns, such an offer can increase employer attractiveness—an important factor in the competition for skilled workers.”

    Berthold also notes that German people are travelling longer distances by bike – a point which is expanded on by Sarah-Helene Sowa, Head of Sustainability at Riese & Müller. “E-bikes offer enormous potential for companies, which has often not yet been fully exploited. They offer employees the opportunity to easily cover even longer commutes and journeys to work, while still arriving at work in an active yet relaxed manner. The advantages are particularly evident in urban environments: no traffic jams, no long searches for parking spaces, and in many cases, even significantly faster journeys than by car. Cargo bikes further expand this spectrum by offering the necessary storage space for work materials or personal errands.”

    Amelie Suttner, Project Manager for Conferences and Community at consultancy organisation Velokonzept, concurs that cycle-friendly employer policies and facilities have a part to play, but goes further. “What’s crucial are the people who bring enthusiasm into the company – ambassadors and motivators who engage colleagues, inspire them, and make them want to cycle. This is how, step by step, a mobility culture emerges in which cycling becomes a matter of course – and offers lead to real (behavioural) change.”

    Sarah-Helene agrees that company culture is crucial: “Management also plays a key role: When executives get on their bikes themselves, they send a clear signal: Sustainable mobility is not just a concept, but part of a lived corporate culture.”

  7. QWIC Germany strengthens sales team with return of Marc Burkhardt

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    Source: QWIC

    The LEVA EU member has announced Burkhardt as Sales Representative for Central Germany, effective September 1. The move marks the continued expansion of the company’s presence in the German market, following the recent onboarding of Rasched S. Abu-Isbeih earlier this year.

    Burkhardt is no stranger to QWIC. He previously served as part of the company’s Sales Team during its initial phase in Germany and recalls his earlier collaboration with dealer partners as both close and highly rewarding. His return emphasizes QWIC’s renewed focus on building strong, long-term relationships with retailers.

    With more than 35 years of sales experience, Burkhardt brings a wealth of expertise from across industries. Most recently, he worked in the solar energy sector, where he played a key role in marketing innovative renewable energy solutions. His professional background reflects both an affinity for sustainable technologies and a proven track record in developing dealer networks.

    Speaking about his decision to rejoin QWIC, Burkhardt expressed enthusiasm for the company’s new trajectory: “I couldn’t miss the chance to actively shape QWIC’s new chapter in Germany. It’s fantastic to once again work alongside such dedicated colleagues and partners.”

    QWIC has highlighted Burkhardt’s passion for e-mobility, his deep understanding of the bicycle retail market, and his long-standing sales acumen as key strengths that will benefit its dealer network. In his new role, he will provide dedicated support to dealers in Central Germany, aiming to help partners expand their business with QWIC’s portfolio of premium e-bikes.

    Together with Abu-Isbeih and the wider German team, Burkhardt’s appointment reflects QWIC’s broader commitment to solidifying its presence in Germany. The company continues to emphasize not only the quality of its e-bikes but also its dedication to service excellence and close collaboration with dealers.

    By strengthening its sales organization with experienced professionals who understand both the market and the brand’s values, QWIC aims to further establish itself as a leading player in the German e-bike sector.

  8. Statistics and behaviour in Germany’s e-bike market

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    Source: SAZ Bike, Cycling Electric

    Recent research, separately conducted by YouGov and Zukunft Fahrrad, reveals a complex picture in Germany’s e-bike sales and uptake by the population. Although leasing is increasing and sales are high, a large proportion of people have yet to try an e-bike.

    An online YouGov survey took responses in July and August from just over 2,000 adult German residents, looking into their experience and thoughts on e-bike ownership and riding. The German association Zukunft Fahrrad focuses on bike-leasing topics and advocacy, and has published data on the current state of the market.

    Survey findings

    The YouGov survey spoke both to riders and non-riders of e-bikes. The results showed that 65% of respondents said they had never tried an e-bike, with the survey exploring the reasons behind this. Those respondents who identified as current e-bike users also gave some insights into behaviour patterns.

    49% of non-users listed cost as the key factor in putting them off e-bikes, followed by a preference for traditional bikes at 29%, and for cars or public transport at 28%. 13% stated that they had not yet had the opportunity to try an e-bike, indicating a potential window of opportunity for greater uptake.

    Among the group of current e-bike users surveyed, it is becoming clear that the ratio of those purchasing with their own funds is decreasing, in favour of various leasing or subsidy programs. Three years ago, 83% of e-bikes were fully self-financed; this share has fallen to 64% for purchases made over the last three years. In that time, partial financing has risen from 8% to 19%.

    On the question of usage scenarios, the majority of respondents reported using e-bikes for leisure and travel, at 39%. 21% use them for shopping and errands, with women taking the majority in this particular segment (25% compared to 17%). 20% of all respondents regularly commute to work or school on an e-bike, while 15% use them for sport, with men (19%) taking the majority here compared to women (10%).

    The leasing landscape

    The data from Zukunft Fahrrad shows that the total e-bike leasing market in Germany has now reached over 2.1 million active units, and that 78% of those put to the market in 2024 were electric bikes.

    Germany’s company bike and e-bike leasing structure has grown steadily since 2020, with 269,000 German employers now offering e-bike leasing, often alongside car leasing, presenting a greater choice to eligible employees on their commuting options. This means that 18.7 million citizens – equivalent to 41% of the employed population – have access to an e-bike leasing scheme. In 2024, a total of 750,000 bike or e-bike leases were put in place.

    One effect of this success is that people can afford to choose and ride a more expensive e-bike than they may have done if buying it independently – bike shop data suggests the average cost of a leased e-bike in 2024 was €3,720, which is 40% more than a typical purchase price outside of a leasing program. The leasing terms are known to be flexible and financially favourable, enabling riders to end the leasing term, return equipment, purchase the bike or lease a new model when the term comes to an end.

    Stefan Ludwig of Zukunft Fahrrad said, “The average prices for company bikes are significantly higher than those of the overall market. This is due to the fact that, on the one hand, there is a minimum price for leasing agreements, and, on the other hand, consumers tend to opt for higher-priced models where the savings are higher. Thus, company bike leasing contributes to higher average prices and thus to higher sales in the overall bicycle market.”

    The YouGov survey results can be found here, and the Zukunft Fahrrad report here.

  9. Over a quarter of Germans own an e-bike

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    Source: SAZ Bike, Bastian Dietz

    Energy company E.on has recently published survey results indicating that 28% of Germans own an e-bike or speed pedelec, in comparison to 15.2% five years ago.

    Over 30,000 German citizens participated in the survey, conducted on behalf of E.on by Civey between June and July 2025, revealing a variety of demographic and behavioural trends and preferences.

    Younger demographic and families

    E-bike ownership and use had the most growth in the 30-39 age bracket, rising from 19.3% in 2024 to 23.2% in 2025. Families with young children revealed an above-average interest in purchasing e-bikes, with almost 9% of such households planning to purchase in the next 12 months, compared to just under 5% of households without children.

    Sustainability and charging

    Over half of respondents who are interested in purchasing an e-bike confirm that the recyclability of the bike’s materials is an important concern. Regarding charging, almost 60% would be willing to charge bikes during times where renewable energy feed-in is at a peak, for instance at noon when the sun is shining. This would help contribute to electricity grid stability with a greater control of energy consumption; according to E.on, this indicates potential savings of around 118 gigawatt hours annually – similar to the annual consumption of a small town.

    Regional differences

    Germany’s e-bike ownership rate is highest in Lower Saxony, at 34.9%, followed by North Rhine-Westphalia at 30.4% and Bavaria at 30.1%. At the district level, the North Rhine-Westphalia district of Borken leads at 52.5%, and Grafschaft Benthheim in Lower Saxony follows close behind at 50.6%.