The total market volume of e-bike and bicycles combined increased by 17% from 4.3 million in 2019 to just over 5 million units in 2020. As e-bikes represent the largest part of this growth the market value grew by a staggering 61% to €6.44 billion.

Together with component and accessory sales, this results in a total sales volume of almost €10 billion across all sales channels. The average sales price per unit (bicycle and e-bikes combined) in 2020 was €1,279, an increase of 38% compared with 2019. Unfortunately, the industry association ZIV did not reveal the average retail price of e-bikes sold in Germany last year.

Two-wheelers, with and without electric drive, benefitted

“2020 has been an exceptional year for the German and international bicycle industry,” said Ernst Brust, managing director of the Zweirad-Industrie-Verband at the presentation of the 2020 statistics. “The challenges were unprecedented. The fact that cycling is more relevant than ever was once again made very clear, especially during the corona pandemic. Both bicycles and e-bikes proved to be an indispensable means of transport. Not only today as a safe alternative for public transport, but also for exercise and as an environmentally friendly means of mobility.” 

“The challenges for manufacturers and bicycle retailers were enormous against the background of shutdowns, disrupted supply chains, shop closings, hygiene requirements and unprecedented demand,” stated Ernst Brust. “Two-wheelers, with and without electric drive, were able to benefit greatly from the unprecedented situation of the past year.” Though Ernst Brust gave a very positive market outlook for 2021, the supply chain issues can’t be ignored. He pointed out the limited availability of many components and the stress OEM's face to receive them all in time according to planning. However, for ZIV the problems in logistics resulting from the shortage of container capacity will have the biggest impact. “Due to huge price increases in container shipping and other costs we expect an overall price increase between 10% and 20%,” said Ernst Brust.

Production and export also expanding

“Made in Germany e-bikes and bicycles enjoy a growing popularity on our export markets,” said Ernst Brust. The combined production increased by 11% to 2.15 million units last year. The growth came from the e-bike as its production volume went up by 27.9% to 1.3 million units. Bicycle production declined by 8% to 800,000 units. The same picture was painted for the import levels. Some 3.73 million units were imported last year, a decline of 4.8%. However, the import of e-bikes went up by 4.3% to 1.04 million units while bicycle imports dropped by 7.9% to 2.69 million units.