E-Bike Boom in Germany Fades: Prices Fall, Revenue Shrinks

Despite the decline, the e-b segment remains the economic backbone of the industry. E-bikes contributed 85 percent of total bicycle revenue in Germany in 2025. More than half of the bicycles sold were motorized (53 percent). Nowhere in Europe is as much money spent on e-bikes as in Germany: of the total European e-bike revenue of nearly ten billion euros, 4.97 billion euros came from the German market.

E-Bikes Dominate Revenue

Within the e-b segment, nearly all types of bicycles have become electrified. Mountain bikes lead the way with a share of over 90 percent. Electric cargo bikes are also driving the business. "Fast alle Arten von Rädern sind inzwischen elektrifiziert," the study authors write.

Across Europe, 30 percent of bicycles sold were e-bikes, remaining at the previous year's level. In terms of revenue share, Germany leads with 85 percent, ahead of Austria (79), the Netherlands (73), France (54), and Spain (35). In terms of the share of motorized bikes sold, however, Austria leads with 57 percent, followed by Germany with 53 percent.

Burdens for Manufacturers and Retailers

The German bicycle industry is under pressure following the end of the Corona boom. Although revenue remains significantly above pre-pandemic levels, high inventory levels and, in some cases, cautious consumers amid inflation are weighing on manufacturers and retailers. The bicycle industry performed better in Spain and Austria, where revenues rose significantly.

Outlook: Less Electrification, More Innovation

Stefan Mohr, responsible for the sports business at EY-Parthenon, offers a nuanced assessment of the situation. "Der deutsche E-Bike-Markt sei zwar noch nicht ganz gesättigt, aber reifer geworden," he said. "Es gebe Zeichen einer 'leichten Marktsättigung'." The industry must prepare for a structural change driven less by pure electrification and more by innovation.

Future growth will no longer come automatically from electrification, but rather more strongly from innovation, new usage concepts and customer groups, as well as from replacement purchases and services, according to the study. At the same time, e-mobility remains a structural trend in the transport transition. The analysts therefore view the current consolidation as a phase of maturation — not as the end of the boom.