Production and Sales Rise: German Bicycle Market Q1 2025 & Taiwan’s Export Recovery Trends

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German Bicycle Market Q1 2025 & Taiwan Ebike Export Update | XVE Insights

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Germany’s bicycle production and sales rose in Q1 2025, while Taiwan’s e-bike exports showed signs of recovery. Explore detailed market trends, trade data, and global implications.

 

German Bicycle Market Q1 2025: Signs of Stabilization

According to data released by the German Bicycle Industry Association (ZIV), the industry is cautiously rebounding. The market experienced double-digit growth in both production and sales in Q1 2025:

Sales Highlights:

• Bicycles: 385,000 units (+10% YoY)

• E-bikes: 500,000 units (+11% YoY)

• Total: 885,000 units sold (+10.6% YoY)

However, from April to May, sales momentum slowed, and spring growth narrowed to ~5%. Demand remained strong for sports models and e-MTBs, while retailers continued clearing excess inventory from previous quarters.

 

Local Production Ramps Up

Germany’s domestic manufacturing continued to grow, reinforcing local supply chains:

• E-bike production: 520,000 units (+16%)

• Bicycle production: 240,000 units (+10%)

• Total output: 760,000 units (+13.4% YoY)

Note: ZIV’s Burkhard Stork warns this Q1 growth may include pre-orders and should be interpreted with caution for full-year projections.

 

Trade Activity: Exports and Imports Rise

Exports:

• Bicycles: 182,000 units (+24.7%)

• E-bikes: 156,000 units (+6.8%)

• Total exports: 338,000 units (+15.8%)

Imports:

• Bicycles: 439,000 units (+29.5%)

• E-bikes: 202,000 units (+23.9%)

• Total imports: 640,000 units (+27.5%)

While growth is notable, ZIV maintains a cautious outlook: the rebound is off a low base in 2024, and sustained momentum remains uncertain through 2025.

 

Taiwan’s E-Bike Export: Recovery in Q1, Slump in May

Q1–April 2025 Performance:

Taiwan’s e-bike exports showed their first year-on-year growth since the pandemic:

• Export value: $236M (+0.26%)

• Average unit price: $2,023 (+12%)

• Parts export value: $437M (+5.92%)

Industry experts attribute this to Taiwan’s shift to high-end electric mobility solutions.

“An e-bike often equals the price of three regular bicycles,” said Wu Zongxian, chairman of the Taiwan Bicycle Association. “This high-value shift is driving R&D investment.”

 

May 2025: Export Momentum Declines Again

According to Taiwan customs data:

• E-bike exports (Jan–May): 143,000 units (↓13% YoY)

• EU-specific exports: ↓10%

• May alone: 25,793 units (↓20% YoY from May 2024)

While the first four months showed promise, May data reflects market volatility and a possible plateau. The 2025 five-month cumulative value is now 1% lower than the same period last year.

 

What This Means for the Global Ebike Market

• Germany: A cautiously optimistic recovery in local production and e-bike consumption

• Taiwan: Shifting toward high-value exports, but facing demand headwinds in May

• EU Market Readiness: As growth resumes, OEMs, battery makers, and ebike charger suppliers like XVE must prepare for shifting demand, tighter standards (e.g., IEC 61851-3-4), and smarter product development

 

Summary

2025 may not mark full recovery yet—but it’s clearly the year the global bicycle and e-bike industry begins to turn around.