Peter Hummel

Although the number of bicycles delivered in Switzerland fell again by around 25,000 units in 2025, the trend in sports bicycles and e-bikes provided a ray of hope, as sales in these categories started to rise again. Looking solely at specialist retailers, excluding major distributors, rising figures were recorded in almost all sectors. However, the Swiss bicycle suppliers' association, Velosuisse, still refers to being in a 'consolidation phase.'

GIVISIEZ, Switzerland - What a "gift": Just before Christmas, the arbitration tribunal of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris confirmed that long-time patron Beat Zaugg must definitively sell all his Scott Sport shares to majority shareholder Youngone Corporation. At the same time, it set the (provisional) value of the package at around CHF 20 million (€21.5 million), the Swiss platform CH Media reported. This (almost) seals the deal in this spectacular power struggle.

AARAU, Switzerland - In 2024, the bicycle industry in Switzerland was in a far deeper trough than in Germany or The Netherlands. Total sales fell by 54,000 units - a drop of 14%. It is worth noting that sales of e-bikes are still in the shadows of regular bicycles as market share remains locked in at around 45% for the past three years.

HUTTWIL, Switzerland - As predicted, Flyer production is being relocated to ZEG's Kettler factory in Germany. Only a skeleton team for Swiss dealer support will remain at the Swiss site in Huttwil. They will remain alongside sister company Biketec GmbH with its connectivity solution FIT which has not been affected by the exodus, but only after intense negotiations.

瑞士，胡特維爾（HUTTWIL）－Flyer關閉瑞士廠的消息很遺憾已成事實，經過商議後，其執行長Andy Kessler上週宣布將裁員至少150名員工。這個發生在聖誕節前夕的壞消息，媒體也是透過經銷商和員工透露才得知，其母公司ZEG未發布任何訊息。

HUTTWIL, Switzerland - The closure of production at Flyer in Huttwil is now a sad certainty. Following the conclusion of the consultation process, CEO Andy Kessler announced yesterday that at least 150 employees will soon be made redundant. The media only learned of this unfortunate pre-Christmas news via dealers and employees; owner ZEG has not disclosed any information.

HUTTWIL, Switzerland - The reorganisation plans for Flyer as announced last week by ZEG caused a big scratch on the image of the Swiss company which once stood at the forefront of the e-bike boom in Europe. Shortly before the announcement, CEO Andy Kessler discussed the inventory situation at Flyer and finding a way back to 'normal', but also their relationship with owner ZEG and the market dominance of Bosch during an interview with Bike Europe.

瑞士，赫特維爾（HUTTWIL）－ZEG於上週宣布對於Flyer工廠的未來計畫，這對瑞士電動自行車產業來說是個令人失望的消息。在一份即時新聞稿中，ZEG說明公司計畫大規模關閉位於Huttwil的老廠，並可能將產線遷至瑞士以外的國家。

HUTTWIL, Switzerland - A big disappointment for the Swiss e-bike industry came forward yesterday when owner ZEG announced their future plans for the Flyer facility. In an ad hoc press release ZEG states their plan to largely close its long-standing site in Huttwil and possibly continue production outside of Switzerland.

OBERRIED, Switzerland - Faster than expected, the Swiss retail group Migros has found a new owner for its Bike World chain of stores. Industry insider and jack-of-all-trades Thomas Binggeli has acquired most of the bicycle store chain via his investment company Thömus AG. The takeover will officially take effect in February 2025.