E-bikes account for 20% cycles sold in Germany
Posted on in Cycles News
As reported in Bike Europe the newest 2017 data from industry association ‘Zweirad-Industrie-Verband' (ZIV) suggests that e-bikes are continuing to bolster the German cycles market.
In 2017, 720,000 e-bikes were sold in Germany, with total sales increasing by 19 percent, meaning that e-bikes now account for almost 20% of all bike sales.
ZIV expects that share to grow further in the next years; in the medium term to 23 - 25 percent, representing a total sale of close to one million units, whilst long term expectations suggest e-bikes are set to grow to a 35 percent market share, totalling 1,350,000 units.
ZIV states that about 99 percent of e-bike sold in Germany are 25 km/h models. About 1 percent are speed pedelecs; the 45 km/h models which must be type-approved and for which a helmet and insurance obligation applies.
Breaking down the 99 percent of 25 km/h e-bikes further shows that e-City bikes have a 38.5 percent share in total sales; E-Trekking stands at 35.5 percent, e-MTBs at 21.5 percent and e-Cargo bikes at 3 percent. ZIV notes further that ‘Made in Germany' e-bikes continue to be in high demand, exporting 291.000 e-bikes in 2017; up 25 percent compared to the 2016 export total.
In 2017 total cycle sales in Germany stood at 3.85 million units; down 5 percent on the 2016 total, but the total sales amounted to 2.69 billion euro; a 3.2 percent increase on 2016. Including P&A sales ZIV estimates that the total 2017 turnover made in Germany stood at 5.4 billion euro.
The average sales price of a bicycle (including e-bikes) stood at 698 euro; up 8.6 percent on the price in 2016. Siegfried Neuberger, Managing Director of the industry association ZIV stated, "the German bicycle industry was once again able to increase sales last year. The e-bike is the driver of the industry. Here, the positive forecasts for the last year were even exceeded. For the future, too, we are confident that this trend will continue."
In terms of exports, the Netherlands account for the biggest market, buying 24 percent of Germany export volume or 69,600 units in 2017. The second largest market for German e-bikes was France at 16 percent.
ACT's guide to e-bikes
With e-bike sales showing no signs of slowing the ACT has produced an online Guide to e-bikes, with tips on selling and servicing as well as information on regulations and laws surrounding the sale of electric bikes.
