Ampler Bikes collapses after Berlin lease dispute triggers financial crisis

A costly Berlin showroom lease sank Ampler Bikes—now 50 jobs hang in the balance. Could a last-minute buyer save this e-bike pioneer?

, and Administrator

2026 May 16 . 2:06 AM

1 min read

The image shows a row of red and black e-bikes parked on the side of a street, with a white pole in... — The image shows a row of red and black e-bikes parked on the side of a street, with a white pole in the foreground. In the background, there are trees, buildings, and a clear blue sky.

Ampler Bikes collapses after Berlin lease dispute triggers financial crisis

Ampler Bikes OÜ has filed for bankruptcy at Harju District Court. The Estonian e-bike manufacturer cited an unresolved legal dispute over its Berlin showroom lease as the key reason. The collapse follows insolvency filings by its German and Swiss subsidiaries, leaving all 50 employees facing redundancy. The company’s financial troubles began with a 10-year lease for a Berlin showroom, signed in 2021. The agreement proved unsustainable, and attempts to exit it failed when the landlord demanded a €1.2 million penalty. This financial burden blocked new investment and prompted the major shareholder to halt further funding.

With no resolution in sight, the parent company followed its German subsidiary into insolvency. The Swiss unit is also expected to declare bankruptcy soon. As part of the proceedings, the management board will ask the bankruptcy trustee to sell Ampler’s assets as a single entity. Their goal is to find a buyer willing to keep the brand operational. Despite the shutdown, Ampler bike owners can still access repairs and maintenance. The bikes use standard components, so any bicycle shop across Europe can service them.

The bankruptcy will result in 50 job losses and the potential sale of Ampler’s assets. The company’s future now depends on finding a partner to take over operations. Meanwhile, existing customers can continue using local bike shops for repairs and support.