Switzerland's E-Bike Sector on the Rise

The Swiss bicycle market experienced yet another atypical year in 2022. While e-bike shipments surged, crossing 200,000 units and marking a 17% growth, the overall market experienced a slight dip, settling at 483,562 units due to dwindling traditional bike sales. This translates to nearly one in three bikes sold in Switzerland being powered electronically. When considering e-bike market shares, Switzerland trails only the Netherlands (40%) and Austria (33%). Velosuisse's data indicate 345,313 combined bicycle and e-bike sales in the country during the past year.

Breakdown of the Swiss E-Bike Market

    Forecasted Growth: The Swiss e-bike sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.09%.

    Dominant Propulsion Category: Pedal Assisted bikes are gaining traction due to factors like affordability, extended battery life, reduced maintenance, and multiple pedal assist modes.

    Main Use Case: Urban/City usage dominates due to the appeal of efficient commutes, easy parking, and fuel economy.

    Preferred Battery Type: Lithium-ion batteries lead the pack, owing to declining costs, quick charging, lighter weight, and superior range compared to lead-acid batteries.

    Rising Trend in Propulsion: Speed Pedelec is the swiftly growing segment because of a surge in recreational activities and an increasing preference for bikes in daily commutes.

Swiss E-Bike Market Segmentation

    By Propulsion Type:
        Pedal Assisted
        Speed Pedelec
        Throttle Assisted
    By Application Type:
        Cargo/Utility
        City/Urban
        Trekking
    By Battery Type:
        Lead Acid Battery
        Lithium-ion Battery
        Others

Recent Swiss E-Bike Developments

    Although the pandemic initially hindered e-bike growth, the shift from public transport to private vehicles propelled e-bike demand in Switzerland.

    Swiss local governments are boosting e-bike sales through subsidies. For instance, in Geneva, e-bikes have a subsidy cap of CHF 250 (up to 50% of the purchase price), while cargo bikes have a cap of CHF 500 (up to 10% of the price).

    The market is witnessing fresh entrants, while established brands employ growth strategies, including collaborations and expansions. Notably, in June 2021, after a successful pilot in Zug, AirBie teamed up with Flyer AG, a Swiss e-bike manufacturer, to launch a public e-bike sharing service in Zug, Baar, and Cham.

Key Players in the Swiss E-Bike Market

The e-bike market in Switzerland is relatively concentrated, with the five leading companies holding 76.20% of the market. These major players are:

    BMC Switzerland AG
    Flyer AG
    MHW Bike-House GmbH (Cube Bikes)
    myStromer AG
    Swiss E-Mobility Group (SEMG)

Recent News Highlights

    November 2022: BMC Switzerland joined forces with Uniqo for custom aero equipment, reflecting the increasing demand for personalized aero bars and extensions in pro cycling.

    November 2022: BMC released its Roadmachine 01 AMP X road e-bike, boasting features such as premium carbon fiber components and internal cable routing.

    September 2022: BMC launched the Kaius 01 carbon gravel bike, designed for optimal stiffness, weight, and stability, utilizing carbon composition and a gravel-specific design.