Are we servicing too little? Only 32% use the bicycle service in the workshop

Germans are increasingly neglecting bicycle maintenance

The maintenance behaviour of German bicycle owners is continuously deteriorating. A current Survey by Dekra and the market research institute Ipsos shows a worrying trend: 68 per cent of all bike owners do not have their bikes professionally serviced regularly. In the previous year, this figure was 62 per cent.

Loyalty to specialist companies is also weakening. While 43 per cent of respondents still went to a preferred workshop in 2024, this figure will only be 37 per cent in 2025. Two thirds of all bike owners have no fixed point of contact for repairs and maintenance. This development worries safety experts, as modern bikes - especially e-bikes - have become significantly more complex.

Self-repairs dominate among those who refuse maintenance

Among the bike owners who do without professional maintenance, 38 per cent carry out repairs themselves. Almost a quarter (23 per cent) see no need for regular checks. For 12 per cent of those surveyed, professional service is simply too expensive. However, this frugality can have dangerous consequences.

"For a safe ride, it is important that the bike is in good technical condition," explains Peter Rücker, Head of Dekra Accident Research. The increasing popularity of pedelecs is exacerbating the problem. E-bikes reach higher average speeds and have complex electronic systems that require regular specialised inspections. Rücker warns urgently: "As far as servicing is concerned, we don't think you should cut corners."

Customers demand comprehensive support in the event of a claim

Expectations of specialist bike shops have changed. 41 per cent of respondents want professional advice in the event of a claim as the most important service. E-bike expertise and online appointments follow with 31 per cent each.

A quarter of bike owners (26 per cent) expect replacement mobility during the repair period. Attractive leasing or financing offers are relevant for 18 per cent. Particularly interesting: 27 per cent want complete claims handling by the Workshop. However, only 17 per cent of the preferred specialist companies already offer this service - a clear gap between supply and demand.

Damage appraisals are becoming more important for expensive bicycles

"The demand for independent damage appraisals for bicycles has been increasing noticeably for several years," reports Marcel Ott, Head of Damage Appraisals at Dekra Automobil GmbH. The reason for this is the increased purchase price of modern bicycles. E-bikes often cost several thousand euros, which makes professional damage assessment economically viable.

Dekra has responded to this development and built up nationwide capacities. Specially trained bicycle experts are available at all 74 German branches. These experts assess damage to conventional bicycles and e-bikes according to uniform standards. The expert reports help with insurance claims and warranty claims.

Study methodology and participant structure

For the representative online study, Ipsos surveyed a total of 1000 bicycle owners in Germany on behalf of Dekra in September 2025. The survey covered both users of conventional bikes and e-bike riders. The results show a clear trend towards service refusal that has developed over several years.

The study emphasises the growing gap between the technical complexity of modern bikes and the willingness to have them professionally serviced. Paradoxically, while e-bikes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, the use of professional services is declining. This development harbours considerable safety risks for all road users.