A name that once stood as a pioneer in German bicycle manufacturing is now facing an uncertain future. Möve Mobility GmbH, a company with roots dating back nearly 130 years, has filed for insolvency again—this time possibly for the last time. Despite its efforts to reinvent itself as a premium e-bike maker, the heritage brand appears unable to escape financial trouble.
From Glory to Struggle
Founded in 1897 under the name Gustav Walter & Co. in Mühlhausen, Möve quickly earned recognition for quality bicycles that proudly carried the “Made in Germany” seal. By the mid-20th century, the company had become one of the most significant players in the industry.
In 1936, Möve expanded into armaments and motorcycles. However, by 1941, bicycle production was halted. After the Second World War, Möve reemerged as VEB Möve-Werk Mühlhausen, becoming the largest employer in the city during the 1950s. The company’s success peaked in 1955 when its millionth bicycle rolled off the assembly line.
But the brand’s independent identity ended in 1961 when Möve merged with Mifa, leading to its disappearance from the market for decades.
The Comeback of a Tradition
The Möve brand resurfaced in 2012 when the trademark was re-registered. By 2014, the company began producing e-bikes, aligning itself with the growing global demand for electric bicycles. At first, this shift seemed promising.
However, financial instability continued to haunt the business. Möve declared insolvency in 2021, after which it was acquired by the Heristo Group, which established Möve Mobility GmbH. Just two years later, the company was sold again, this time to Hitchhiker Capital.
In 2022, the company relocated its base to Katharinenberg, Thuringia, just 17 kilometers from its historic roots in Mühlhausen. The new site, described as a “glass manufactory,” was designed as a modern production hub. It housed not only assembly and final inspections but also development, frame testing, administration, and warehousing under one roof.
Innovation Could Not Stop the Decline
Möve continued to make headlines with innovative products. In 2024, the company unveiled the Avian, a titanium e-bike weighing only 13.8 kilograms. It featured advanced 3D-printed joints and Möve’s patented VER-TEC technology. The premium model carried a hefty price tag of €5,990, reflecting the brand’s move into the high-end market.
Despite these advances, financial woes persisted. Möve filed for insolvency again at the end of 2024 but managed to withdraw the request after a few months. Unfortunately, the latest filing, dated September 10, 2025, has once again placed the company’s survival in question.
Insolvency Proceedings Begin
The Berlin-Charlottenburg District Court has appointed Florian Kleinschmit from White & Case as the preliminary insolvency administrator. The law firm confirmed that operations at Möve Mobility GmbH will continue without interruption for now.
In a statement to BILD, White & Case explained that a structured investor process would be launched with the aim of finding a long-term solution for the business. The goal is to secure fresh capital or new ownership to keep the iconic bicycle brand alive.
For now, production and sales will proceed as usual, but uncertainty remains about the company’s future.
What Went Wrong?
While details remain scarce, reports suggest that Möve struggled to balance its ambitious innovation with financial stability. The premium e-bike market is booming, yet competition is fierce, and pricing at the luxury end can limit broader adoption.
The company’s repeated financial difficulties raise questions about management decisions, market positioning, and scalability. As of now, it is unclear how many employees will be affected by the insolvency proceedings.
A Brand at a Crossroads
The story of Möve mirrors the challenges many traditional manufacturers face when reinventing themselves in the modern era. Despite introducing cutting-edge products, the company has been unable to build a secure financial base.
For customers and cycling enthusiasts, the latest insolvency is bittersweet. On one hand, the company continues to produce advanced e-bikes admired for their engineering and design. On the other, the uncertainty threatens to erase a brand that has been part of German bicycle history for over a century.
What Lies Ahead
The coming months will determine whether Möve Mobility GmbH can survive its latest crisis. If investors step forward, the company could yet find a path to stability and growth. If not, September 2025 may mark the final chapter for one of Germany’s oldest bicycle makers.
For now, Möve remains operational, but its fate depends on the outcome of insolvency proceedings and the willingness of new partners to keep the legendary brand alive.
👉 After 130 years, will Möve’s journey end here—or is this just another turn in its long ride through history?
