Bike mechanic shortage in Europe sparks Shimano to launch investigation
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
Shimano has launched an urgent investigation into what it describes as a “critical” shortage of skilled bike mechanics across Europe, warning that the situation threatens to undermine the growing uptake of cycling.
With demand for reliable repairs outpacing supply, driven by the surge in e-bikes, cargo bikes, and active travel policies, the company says the sector is suffering from a widespread “skill drain” as experienced mechanics leave and are increasingly replaced by untrained or uncertified individuals.
To address the growing gap, Shimano has unveiled a new initiative, Nextgen Mechanics: Advancing Cycle Mechanic Standards & Careers Together, aimed at understanding the root causes of the mechanic shortage and identifying ways to raise standards across the profession.
“This is leading to a shortage of skilled mechanics in many regions,” Shimano said in a statement. “This is worsened by a skills crisis, with qualified mechanics leaving the industry and being replaced by untrained or uncertified individuals.”
The company argues that this mechanic shortfall risks becoming a serious barrier for people who want to start or continue cycling, especially in countries investing heavily in sustainable urban mobility.
The Nextgen Mechanics programme will gather evidence and insights from across the cycling ecosystem, including manufacturers, bike shops, training organisations, councils, NGOs, and the mechanics themselves.
Running until 25 July, the call for evidence will feed into a report to be published at the Cycling Industries Europe Summit in October 2025, with the goal of creating long-term strategies to protect and promote mechanic careers.
Ties van Dijk, Advocacy Specialist at Shimano Europe, explained the initiative’s urgency: “We are currently facing a critical and worsening shortage of skilled bicycle mechanics.
“What makes this even more concerning is the ongoing skill drain. Many experienced mechanics leave the industry, often replaced by untrained or uncertified individuals. This threatens the quality, reliability and accessibility of bicycle maintenance.
“Bicycle mechanics are the backbone of the cycling ecosystem. Their expertise is essential to every business model that keeps bicycles on the road – from independent shops to large-scale leasing fleets.
“Without them, we risk creating serious barriers for people who want to start or continue cycling.
“This is not a challenge that any single company, association, or city can solve alone. It requires a united effort across the entire cycling ecosystem. Therefore, we take this as a first step in close collaboration with Cycling Industries Europe. We invite everyone who shares this concern to join us in tackling this urgent issue.”
The investigation puts the importance of quality industry education into sharp perspective, with accreditations such as ones from Cytech - which has courses run by members of the ACT - crucial to maintaining high standards in the bike mechanic sector.
Shimano’s move also follows several high-profile incidents which exposed wider tensions between mechanics and manufacturers—most notably the controversy around its Hollowtech crank inspection programme.
Shimano now hopes that Nextgen Mechanics will provide a platform to rebuild trust, raise professional standards, and inspire a new generation of trained and certified bicycle mechanics.
Members of the ACT get exclusive access to Cytech accreditation. To learn more, visit the Cytech service page.