Europe's bicycle markets are entering 2026 on very different footing. While Italy continues to struggle with declining sales and mounting pressure on specialist retail, the German and Spanish markets are showing signs of stabilisation as higher-value segments, particularly e-bikes, drive revenue growth. In the UK, the industry recorded its first year of growth since 2020, offering cautious optimism after several difficult seasons. Together, the latest European market reports reflect an industry still navigating post-pandemic correction, changing consumer demand and the growing importance of value-driven segments.

The spike in oil prices has drastically changed the market outlook. Raw material prices plus the costs of production and logistics have been affected by the geopolitical situation. The high fuel prices worldwide could also attract more people to start cycling. Are you prepared to adapt to the new situation? The Global Bicycle Purchase Index (GPBI) will provide you with these insights next month.

The e-bike market share could reach as high as 80% according to past predictions. Since the start of the sales boom more than a decade ago, it was uncertain what market share the e-bike would eventually take of the total bicycle market in Europe. The 80% outlook now seems exaggerated, as the Europe-wide market share remains stuck at just under 40%. What has put a stop to the growth of the e-bike market?

As the bicycle industry strives to better synchronise supply chains with market demand, access to reliable market intelligence has become increasingly important. The Global Bicycle Purchasing Index (GBPI) addresses this need by providing sourcing insights and a medium-term market outlook through an indicator that anticipates future industry trends. In a conversation with Bike Europe, Orbea Supply Chain Chief Officer Pablo Trujillo, explains how they manage the challenge of forecasting.

China appears to be losing its foothold in the United States market, as first-quarter import figures reflect the lasting impact of US President Donald Trump's global tariffs. As markets adjust to last year's volatile rebalancing, a reshaped competitive landscape is emerging, with the old order fading across much of Asia.

In Europe's rapidly changing urban mobility market, a quiet transformation is taking place. "While many brands continue competing on specifications and price alone, we are moving in a different direction," says Toni Pavic, head of marketing and branding, and partner at Lemmo. "We are building a new generation of intelligent, connected light mobility products designed around real urban lifestyles."