Friedrichshafen, Germany – On the eve of the start of Eurobike, German bicycle industry association, Zweirad-Industrie-Verband e.V. (ZIV), has released a report on the German bicycle market in the first six months of 2019. According to ZIV, although perfect weather conditions came together recently to provide a successful year for the business in 2018, in contrast, the German weather in the first half of 2019 was somewhat more changeable. ZIV nevertheless believes that some 2.93 million bicycles and e-bikes were sold between January and June, representing an increase of around 3.2%.

In addition, ZIV believes that production increased again too. In the first six months, 1.47 million vehicles were manufactured, which corresponds to an increase of approx. 4.6%. Overall, ZIV assumes that sales of bicycles, e-bikes, components and accessories also increased in Q1/Q2 2019 and anticipates slight growth compared to the same period last year.

According to figures from Germany’s Federal Statistical Office, imports of bicycles and e-bikes increased by some 6.1% in the analysis period. E-bikes as a proportion of imports were a good 26%. Exports of bicycles and e-bikes also grew significantly. Between January and June, the export volume rose by just under 14.1%. E-bikes accounted for some 36% of exports.

Siegfried Neuberger, Managing Director of the German bicycle industry association: “The German bicycle industry can look back on a very good first half-year again this year. The products of the German and international bicycle industry are once again inspiring consumers. Positive development in the industry is supported by services such as leasing of company bikes, digital offers, and innovative business concepts relating to all aspects of cycling. We are able to stride into the future with confidence and look forward to future bicycle and e-bike trends.”