E-Bikes in 2026: Boom, Bust, and Where the Industry Is Headed

E-Bikes in 2026: Boom, Bust, and Where the Industry Is Headed

If you've been following the e-bike world, you've probably noticed something strange. On one hand, the market is still growing. On the other, some of the biggest names have collapsed. Welcome to the e-bike industry in 2026 — a world of "fire and ice."


The Boom: Still Growing, But Slower

The global e-bike market is projected to grow from $46.39 billion in 2026 to $74.98 billion by 2035, at a 5.5% CAGR. Europe remains the heart — sales grew from €10.6 billion in 2020 to €15 billion in 2024. But the pace has slowed. In 2023, European sales actually dropped 7% year-over-year.

The Bust: When the Party Ended

The slowdown hit some brands hard. VanMoof raised over $200 million before filing for bankruptcy in July 2023. **Rad Power Bikes**, once valued at $1.65 billion, filed for Chapter 11 in December 2025 and sold assets for $13.2 million. The cause? A massive inventory glut. Aggressive manufacturing during the pandemic exceeded stabilized demand, leaving the supply chain clogged. By 2026, some e-bike segments saw sales plummet 46%.

The New Guard: Tech Giants Enter

While the old guard crumbled, new players arrived. TENWAYS, backed by Hillhouse and Tencent, filed for a Hong Kong IPO in early 2026, with revenue growing from €48 million to €60 million. DJI entered with its Amflow brand, featuring a 125 Nm motor and 1,100W peak output, priced around €3,499.

Where the Industry Is Headed

Three trends are emerging:

  1. From mass to niche. The market is moving toward specialized products for mountain, cargo, touring, and urban use.

  2. Smarter, not just faster. AI and connectivity are becoming key differentiators.

  3. Survival of the fittest. Capital now flows to companies that turn scale into profit — not just hype.

What This Means for You

If you're in the market for an e-bike in 2026, prices have softened and choices have multiplied. But not all brands will be around in five years. At Avenger, we focus on what lasts: engineering excellence, quality materials, and frames you can trust — whether powered by legs or a motor.

Ready to build your next ride? Explore the Avenger collection today.