The e-bike regulation issue leads to even more heated discussions in the United States than in Europe. Keeping all 50 states aligned is a big task for PeopleForBikes, and within the industry, differing interests regularly lead to friction. The topic was even announced as the phantom menace at the recent Bicycle Leadership Conference. What insights can Europe and the US gain from one another?
Basque bicycle manufacturer Orbea reported a limited 2.3% decline in revenue for 2025, a small reduction in revenue that the cooperative attributes to its continuous market monitoring and disciplined management of a "responsible sales plan." This contrasts with 2024, when Orbea reported an 8% year-over-year decline in turnover, suggesting that profitability and margin performance stabilised considerably in 2025.
High-precision gear and component manufacturer hGears AG started 2026 as expected: the publicly-traded company was aware in advance that it would not be able to achieve exceptional growth amid geopolitical uncertainties and the resulting strain on economic momentum. So even though first-quarter revenue for 2026, at €23.4 million, was 6.9% below the comparable period last year, it was still within the company's expected range.
Stock-listed e-commerce bicycle retailer Bike24 Holding AG has gotten off to a strong start in the new year. The Dresden-based company posted not only first-quarter double-digit growth, but also a significant improvement in adjusted EBITDA.
Laka is continuing its aggressive expansion in the bike insurance business with its acquisition of UK specialist insurer VeloLife, marking the company's fourth acquisition since 2023. This is the company's first publicly announced deal tied to its recently expanded M&A (mergers and acquisitions) strategy.
Sales at Taiwan's third largest bicycle manufacturer Ideal Bike Corporation, follow a similar trend as the country's two other main producers Giant and Merida. In January, sales suffered a sharp 53% year-on-year decline; in February, they saw a 17% decline, followed by another 31.4% decrease in March. Even though these three companies' sales continued to decline by double digits compared to January-March 2025, they appear to have shifted into the lowest gear.
The persistent difficulty of the economic conditions in the bicycle industry has forced German rim producer Schürmann to close down its operation.
A strong industry ecosystem thrived in Taiwan's bicycle industry for decades, enabling the successful launch of start-ups like Hyena. This ecosystem was damaged during the inventory crisis and Hyena CEO Charlie Chuang is calling for a rebuild of this system. Today, his company is one of the few Taiwan-based full e-drive system suppliers serving American and European customers.
SponsoredIn the early days of e-bikes, the race was simple: more torque, more watts, more bragging rights. But today, the real battleground is somewhere else entirely, efficiency, intelligence and rider safety.
After filing for insolvency in February 2026, Frog Bikes has secured a buyer to continue its legacy as the royally-endorsed United Kingdom kids' bike brand. The brand's acquisition has been confirmed by Frasers Group, a conglomerate owned by British billionaire Mike Ashley.
Taiwan is future-focused, that much was apparent to attendees of the Taipei Cycle Show 2026. But beneath the optimism, export declines and changing production chains show the nation's bicycle sector is in transition. Production value is increasingly generated beyond Taiwan's borders, as manufacturing shifts to neighbouring markets such as China, Vietnam and Europe through Taiwanese-led supply chains.
The China Cycle Show 2026 can count on more international interest than before. Driven by the sports market and the country's fifteenth five-year plan (2026-2030), local manufacturers have recognised the value of brand building, a trend quickly being adopted by other categories. The nation's shop window to the rest of the world showcases the progress of its bicycle industry.
