E-bike sales volume Germany 2013-2023

Germany saw rapidly rising e-bike sales in recent years, with around 2.1 million bikes sold in 2023. While this was a decrease compared to 2022, it was not a significant plunge. With cycling being both a popular sport and recreational activity in Germany, as well as for many a means of getting about, the growth of the e-bike market plays a crucial role in how consumers will cycle in the future. E-bikes, while seen by some as easier to handle, still need a well-developed cycling infrastructure in the country, especially in large urban areas with different types of traffic.

A cycle of change

Germany counted around 11 million e-bikes on its territory in 2023, which was an increase from 9.8 million the year before. For comparison, ten years earlier in 2013, there were 1.6 million e-bikes. Germany both exports and imports e-bikes. Of these, around 610,000 were shipped to other countries in 2023, while around 1.22 million were imported that same year. Production requires additional processes and materials, compared to the traditional bike, since e-bikes are powered by a motor. The technology as such is changing not only the cycling experience for consumers who buy an e-bike, but the manufacturing as well, leading to a long-term market shift on all sides. There is also a demand for new maintenance and repair specialists.

Conquering European markets

E-bikes are making their way through Europe, with Germany currently being the largest sales market. They do not come cheap, though the same can be said for any new bike, with prices for various products going up in the last two years. The average price of a bike sold in Germany, including e-bikes, was around 1,788 euros in 2023. Worldwide, true to expectations confirmed by decades of fact, the Netherlands had the highest cycling frequency among the population in 2022, followed by Poland and Germany. Depending on the development of the e-bike market in the next years, perhaps Germany will move further up the list.