IN BRIEF
European bike workshops will need to recruit around 105,000 additional bike mechanics by 2032, equivalent to 60% of the current workforce, according to the NextGen Mechanics report presented on 30 September in Brussels at the summit of the European Cycling Industries (ECI) federation. Europe currently has around 175,000 cycle mechanics, and 45,000 are already said to be missing to meet demand. According to a Shimano survey, 121 million Europeans ride less because of obstacles to getting their bike serviced, and 7.6 million have stopped riding.
Presented on 30 September in Brussels at the summit of the European Cycling Industries federation, the NextGen Mechanics report puts figures on the needs of European workshops up to 2032.
105,000 bike mechanics to recruit by 2032
Europe currently employs around 175,000 cycle mechanics. According to the report, 45,000 more are already needed to meet current demand, on top of which come 61,000 positions over the next five years, departures included. In total, around 105,000 hires by 2032, equivalent to 60% of the current workforce, bringing the servicing workforce to nearly 250,000 people, an increase of around 40%.
The NextGen Mechanics survey on which the document is based collected more than 600 responses in 30 European countries. The report is available on the ECI website.
Millions of cyclists held back by servicing
The shortage of mechanics has a direct effect on cycling. According to Shimano’s “State of the Nation 2026” survey of 25,000 people, 212 million Europeans face obstacles to getting their bike serviced; 121 million ride less as a result, and 7.6 million have stopped riding.
Shimano at the origin, the ECI taking it forward
The NextGen Mechanics initiative is led by Shimano, and the ECI says it is adopting the report’s recommendations. BikeBiz quotes in particular Paul Walsh, CEO of the ECI, and Ties Van Dijk, advocacy and strategy lead at Shimano. The ECI is announcing the creation of an Education and Skills Expert Group (ESEG) to carry these recommendations forward. The report also notes that, although the job has become technical (firmware, batteries, electronic drivetrains), mechanics’ pay remains below the national full-time median salary, even in the most favourable markets.
