At least: Germany is not only automotive country, it is also the biggest market for bicycles in Europe and in second place as regards bicycle and accessory production in Europe (together with Romania) and behind Italy (first place). All over Germany there are about 73 million of bicycles (compared to 45.1 million of cars). And according to the latest bicycle survey for Germany originating from 2015 there are 2.4 bicycles per household. Based on this figure bicycles are more widespread than any other means of conveyance. A few decades ago, the bicycle was considered a means of transport for people who could not afford a car, but today this is no longer the case. And from the economic point of view, bicycles have long since become an important factor. According to the German bike industry association ZIV, the cycle industry provides 278,000 full-time jobs all over Germany and stands for a total turnover of 16 billion euros (including tourism).
According to ZIV, the German bicycle industry (bikes, parts, accessories and components) generated a total turnover of 5.2 billion euros in 2016; of this, 4.05 million of sold bicycles and e-bikes generated a total turnover of 2.6 billion euros (plus seven per cent). Due to the weather conditions, 2016 was a rather difficult year for the industry, which is why sales of bicycles dropped by 6.9 per cent compared to the previous year. The fact that there was nevertheless an increase in sales is, according to the ZIV, primarily due to the renewed rise in e-bike sales. This led to a higher average sales price per bicycle (including e-bike) of 643 euros (plus 15 per cent). Because expectations as to the e-bike sales of the past year were exceeded again: The retailers sold 605,000 electric bikes (plus 13 per cent). A figure German car builders can only dream of. In 2016, they sold just around 23,000 electric vehicles together.
Meanwhile, the market share of e-bikes in the overall bicycle market has risen to 15 per cent. In the medium term, ZIV expects a market share of up to 20 per cent, and in the long term around 30 per cent of the overall bicycle market. However, the German trade association VSF points out that despite all enthusiasm for e-bikes a good 95 per cent of all bicycles sold still do not have an electric motor.
VSF chairman Albert Herresthal expects for e-bikes an ongoing increase of the market share up to about 20 per cent. In our opinion, the market share will level off at this range.” At the same time Herresthal emphasizes: “Pure cycling is and remains consistently popular”. Whereas the stock of bicycles was 69 million ten years ago, there are 73 million of bicycles now. “The use of bicycles will continue to grow in the coming years. This is due to the funding programmes of the Land governments, particularly in Baden-Wuerttemberg, North-Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, Berlin and Hamburg, as well as of the federal government by the promotion of cycle express ways as well as the need for healthy mobility”, says Herresthal. And in view of the restrictions to be expected in urban centres due to the fine particulate issue, he considers “bicycles or e-bikes as perfect alternative”.
The cycle industry in Baden-Wuerttemberg also benefits considerably from the positive development in the cycle business. 10.1 million bicycles are on the road in the south west. According to a VSF survey made in the context of the cycle strategy of the Land government, 863 companies were identified. They are dealing for example with the manufacture of bicycles, parts, accessories and components, are suppliers of raw materials or tools, act as service providers (experts/test institutes), are dealers, in most cases with workshops, or in the cycle tourism.
With a total of about 31,800 employees the cycle industry in the south west generates a turnover of about 2.1 billion euros, of which 731,000 euros is accounted for by bicycle retail, one billion euros by cycle tourism and 358,000 euros by the manufacture of bicycles, accessories and components. According to the survey, the employees in Baden-Wuerttemberg are distributed to many medium and small-sized companies: 3300 are accounted for by bicycle retail, 24 000 by cycle tourism and 4400 by manufacturers.
The survey also shows that some of the company locations are in Stuttgart region, also in the Ludwigsburg district. Apart from 35 bicycle retailers in the district there are also three wholesalers/importers, four service providers, such as the test institute Zedler in Ludwigsburg or the cycle tourism provider DNV Touristik in Kornwestheim. And with FXX Cycles (Ludwigsburg) there is even a bicycle manufacturer. In addition, seven manufacturers of components/accessories including cycle clothes are running their business in the district. These include for example KED-Helmsysteme in Freiberg, Unior Deutschland (Remseck) with bicycle tools or Accurate in Korntal-Münchingen with battery systems for e-bikes. As well as Holmenkol in Ludwigsburg, manufacturing lubricants for bicycles.
Author: Author: Hans-Dieter Wessbecher
