Jan-Willem van Schaik

The total market value in the Netherlands surged by more than 60% in the past 10 years, driven by the rising average retail prices for e-bikes. In 2025, combined bicycle and e-bike sales totalled at €1.533 billion, a 1.3% decline from 2024. Market growth over the past years has masked declining sales volumes. In 2025, the market experienced a further 7% decline in units. At the same time, the average price increase of e-bikes and bicycles combined exceeded the rate of inflation more than twice. To what extent will consumers continue to pay the ever-increasing prices?

Robust sales for Shimano Inc. in Europe compensated for weak demand in North America and Asia in 2025. Similarly to its 2024 results, differences across markets were again significant. Despite challenging market conditions, strong sales in Europe were unable to prevent a major decline in operating income overall. The medium-term trend shows Shimano's revenue is well above pre-covid level, but the operating income and net income to the owners are both substantially lower. Shimano is the first to publish its financial results but not many will present such stable figures.

Donkey Republic's latest financing round demonstrates that investors have not lost interest in bicycles and cycling more broadly. Private equity and other investors turned away from the bicycle industry after the troubles at Accell Group, Rad Power, VanMoof, Scott Sports and many others. Donkey Republic proves the opposite. They initially set out to raise DKK 15-30 million (€2-4 million), but due to strong interest, the transaction was over-subscribed and the amount raised was upsized to DKK 75 million (€10 million).

A drastic reorganisation during the current market disruption was unavoidable for Campagnolo. The Italian component manufacturer felt the urge to issue a statement this week, following months of wild speculation, including the suggestion of a large-scale lay-off. "Currently, the company is being reorganised, after the financial structure was defined together with all relevant stakeholders," writes Campagnolo. "The Campagnolo family is directly involved in this process and continues to invest an undisclosed amount in the project."

Changing market conditions and new European Union regulations have opened the door for tyre specialist Dmack to repurpose the former Nokian tyre facility in Finland. Bicycle tyre production had largely shifted from Europe to the Far East in recent decades. The cost of labour, environmental regulations and proximity to rubber sources made it more efficient to operate these factories in Asia. According to Dmack owner Dick Cormack, times have changed. "I have made it my personal mission to put this factory back on the map and build up production in Europe with high-quality products. That's our mission over the next five years."

The micro-mobility investment fund Fundracer announced an undisclosed investment in Belgian startup Aerobag, which is pioneering ultra-lightweight, compact airbag technology designed specifically for cyclists. Aerobag set out with a clear and ambitious mission: to adapt proven airbag technology from the automotive industry into a form factor that works for cycling.

The topic of cooperation between Eurobike and the German industry bodies ZIV and Zukunft Fahrrad is back on the table again. At the fringe of the European Cycling Industries (ECI) launch reception in Brussels this week, the new CEO of Fairnamic, ZIV, and Zukunft Fahrrad discussed a relaunch of Eurobike in 2027 and the potential cooperation with the German associations and the ECI, as well as the role of Eurobike in 2026. This was reported by Eurobike.

Japanese component manufacturer, Shimano, has decided to shift its tradeshow focus and withdraw from Eurobike starting in 2026. "This decision reflects our focus on creating direct, meaningful engagement with our partners, customers, and riders," the company writes in a statement.

E-bikes powered exclusively by a generator are considered technically innovative, but until now, they have been difficult to classify legally. This is going to change with the publication of the German standard DIN 31067. Though limited to Germany only, it may apply elsewhere in the EU if adopted or referenced.

Fresh rumours are circulating that Accell Group has entered its second debt restructuring in little more than a year, and they're creating quite a stir in the market. Accell Group insiders reportedly told the Financial Times that new restructuring talks are being prepared, as revenues are lower than expected. Analysts recently wrote that the group's sales are expected to drop 15% in 2025, with a further 9% decline expected this year.