Tag Archive: germany

  1. 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.

  2. 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.”

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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%.

  6. E-bike buyers refer to specialist retailers, study finds

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    Source: SAZBike

    A German study has reported that buyers of both e-bikes and traditional bikes prefer to obtain information from brick-and-mortar retailers.

    Research commissioned by the German insurance company Alteos looked into the purchasing behaviour of customers buying bicycles, plus assessments from specialist bike retailers. With Germany’s bicycle market seeing 3.85 million bicycles sold in 2024 alone – 2.05 million of which were e-bikes – the findings are significant.

    Buyer behaviour

    The survey, conducted by Civey, found that 58.6% of bicycle purchasers head to a physical store to gather information, in preference over digital channels or social media. 27% choose to use manufacturers’ own websites, while 24.7% use specialist retailers’ websites. The role of social networks such as Instagram, TikTok or Facebook only play a negligible role, even among the younger 18-29-year-old demographic.

    Retailer insights

    Face-to-face communication is also important from a retail point of view. 41% of the retailers surveyed confirm that personal interaction in the brick-and-mortar store is their most effective sales channel, echoing the findings about buyer behaviour, and allows retailers to position themselves as trustworthy partners. 40.3% of retailers rely on their own websites, far ahead of channels such as local media (18.8%) or social networks (5.9%).

    In addition to new bike sales at 25.5%, dealers saw good revenue potential in company bike leasing, at 28.4%. Activities such as workshop services, accessories sales and insurance offerings followed at a greater distance. Over one third of respondents reported being unsure about which business areas are to be of most importance in the coming years.

  7. Germany’s DVW urges the separation of pedestrian and cycling paths to improve traffic safety

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    Source: SAZ Bike

    The German Road Safety Association (Deutsche Verkehrswacht, DVW) has issued a strong call for the structural separation of pedestrian walkways and cycling paths in urban and suburban areas, citing increased traffic safety and reduced conflict potential between road users as key benefits.

    The resolution was adopted during DVW’s annual general meeting, where a comprehensive package of measures aimed at improving pedestrian safety was unveiled. A central focus of the initiative is the transition away from shared-use paths – such as those marked by traffic sign 240, which designates a joint pedestrian and cycling path – and toward clearly divided infrastructure tailored to the needs of both groups.

    According to the DVW, shared pathways pose “significant conflict potential” due to the growing diversity of users and mobility devices, including e-scooters, cargo bikes, and pedelecs. DVW President Kirsten Lühmann highlighted the increasing complexity of urban mobility, stating: “Conflicts with pedestrians were inevitable. By separating them, we can make the space safer for all road users.”

    The proposed structural division will require adjustments in urban planning, traffic regulation, and collaboration with municipal authorities. Cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants are encouraged to appoint dedicated pedestrian traffic coordinators – a move that could significantly influence future cycling strategies and infrastructure planning at the municipal level.

    In addition to separating paths, the DVW recommends a series of supportive safety measures including:

    • Longer green phases at pedestrian crossings.
    • Parking bans near intersections to improve visibility.
    • Default speed limits of 30 km/h in areas with vulnerable populations, such as schools and kindergartens.
    • Mandatory assistance systems in vehicles to prevent collisions.
    • Stricter enforcement of traffic violations, particularly related to illegal parking.

    The announcement opens the door to broader discussions within the cycling and mobility sectors, including the evolution of technical standards, infrastructure design, and the recognition of walking and cycling as equal modes of transport.

    As German cities strive to adapt their mobility strategies to modern challenges, the DVW’s proposal signals a significant shift in urban planning priorities in placing greater emphasis on safety, clarity, and equitable space for all road users.

  8. Antric added to the Kühlungsborn mobility network

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    Source: Antric

    One of LEVA-EU member Antric’s electric cargo bikes has been added to the mobility network of Kühlungsborn, a coastal town in north-east Germany.

    Recently introduced to the town’s network in a ceremony in front of the town hall, the new electric cargo bike will support a variety of local services. It features a substantial 291 kg payload and is designed for easy handling, with 5 levels of electric pedal assist and a seat, rather than a saddle, for comfortable longer rides.

    Together, Antric and the town of Kühlungsborn aim to make everyday life smarter, greener and more efficient.

  9. Germany’s e-cargo bike funding reaches significant milestone

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    Source: Velobiz

    Since 2021, Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) has been subsidising the purchase of electric cargo bikes and matching trailers for commercial use. The number of bikes and trailers purchased under the scheme has now reached over 10,000.

    The Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) which provides the financial support announced in a recent press release, “with the 10,000th subsidized e-cargo bike in May 2025, a significant milestone was reached. A total of around 14.5 million euros was paid out to companies from 80 sectors.”

    The funding is distributed as part of the National Climate Initiative (NKI), which is a key part of Germany’s aim to be widely climate neutral by 2045. Funding can be applied for by companies and public institutions, such as universities, until 30 June 2027. Up to 25% of the purchase price is subsidised, up to a maximum of €3,500 euros per bike.