2026 will be a good year for electric bikes: sales are rising amid a market that has yet to fully take off.
25/09/2026 17:00
Updated to
25/09/2026 17:00
The results from the IV Bicycle Sector Barometer, recently held as part of Sea Otter Europe, “show a favorable trend in sales revenue, signs of stabilizing inventory levels, and particularly positive performance from repair shops,” according to AMBE’s press release. However, the association itself warns that this improvement varies among suppliers and businesses, meaning it has not yet led to a widespread increase in profitability.
This Barometer brings together manufacturers, distributors, stores, and workshops to make better decisions based on what’s happening in the industry. 56% of participants report an increase in their sales compared to the first half of 2025. However, AMBE notes that growth is more widespread among brands and distributors, while stores mention stability.
On a very positive note, expectations for 2026 are favorable, with increased confidence among suppliers. It should be noted that regarding electric bikes, stability is a recurring theme among both suppliers and retailers, though suppliers show more positive figures: 44% report an increase in electric bike sales.
"Adjusting purchases and selling off accumulated stock remains a priority, to protect profit margins and prevent shortages of certain models from limiting sales" (AMBE).
However, 33% of store responses report a slight decline in sales, indicating varied consumer demand and highlighting the need to monitor its trend in the coming months. The barometer also shows a positive outlook toward second-hand items among those who offer them.
Stock levels: appearing to normalize
The barometer suggests that stock levels, both for suppliers and retailers, are normalizing, a view held by half of the participating companies. Yet, a significant portion still believes they should maintain inventory levels higher than their actual needs.
In the stores, results are very similar.... "Adjusting purchases and getting rid of accumulated stock remains a priority, protecting profit margins and preventing shortages of certain products from limiting sales," AMBE states in its statement.
Finally, one of the most encouraging figures from the barometer: the repair shop sector shows one of the most positive signs this semester, as 51% of participating stores/repair shops see an increase in revenue from this activity, and more importantly, none report any declines.
In summary, pending official data, this Barometer indicates stability with a slight improvement in some areas, giving us reason to look forward optimistically.