Motorcycles: Why Sales Are Plummeting and What to Do About the Market Crisis
Motorcycles, scooters, and other two-wheelers aren’t in the best shape. In 2024, sales plummeted by 9% in France, a concerning decline for manufacturers and bike enthusiasts. With new regulations, changing travel habits, and a lack of allure in electric options, the situation is becoming more challenging for bikers. So, what exactly is happening in the world of two-wheelers, and how can we address it? Let’s delve into the details.
Hard-Hitting Numbers: Sales in Free Fall
2024 isn’t shaping up as a good year for motorcycles, scooters, and other bikes. The overall market for two-wheelers witnessed a 9% drop in sales, with only 1,068,449 registrations compared to 1,170,377 in the previous year. This decline is more significant than those seen in 2023 (-2%) and 2022 (-6%). The 2024 scenario confirms that the market is in crisis, especially for used bikes. In fact, used bike sales, which comprise a sizeable portion of the French market, fell by 11%, going from 886,041 to 788,085 transactions. As for new vehicles, the dip was more modest, at 1.4%.
The situation for electric isn’t much brighter. Electric motorcycles, which could offer an eco-friendly and trendy alternative, saw an 8% decline, with just 39,038 registrations in 2024.
The Reason Behind This Crisis
Multiple factors contribute to this decline. Increasing traffic restrictions deter potential buyers from purchasing new or used motorcycles or scooters. Take Low Emission Zones (LEZs) for instance: nearly 40 metropolitan areas have tightened these zones, effectively banning the most polluting vehicles. Motorcyclists are now facing restrictions that make their bikes less practical.
Additionally, the widespread implementation of paid parking in major cities like Paris, with ever-stricter rules since 2023, adds to the woes. To top it off, since April 2024, a technical inspection has become mandatory for all two-wheelers older than five years, with strict checks on safety and pollution. This isn’t exactly encouraging for those considering a second-hand purchase, is it?
If you look at the used market, finding a good deal is becoming increasingly difficult. Once an economical solution, used motorcycles are now suffering from a drop in demand, further exacerbated by the emergence of new mobility solutions like electric scooters and electric bikes. These modes of transportation often evade limitations tied to registered two-wheelers like paid parking and technical inspections.
Even though it’s often discussed, the electric segment struggles to take off. Electric motorcycles face similar hurdles with limited performance, particularly concerning range, deterring potential buyers. Moreover, the disappearance of eco bonuses at the end of 2023, which offered financial incentives for purchasing an electric vehicle, doesn’t help foster a shift towards energy transition.
The rise of alternatives like license-free cars, car-sharing, and public transport should also be noted. These options are growing in popularity, with a notable surge in interest over recent years.
The Exception: Pleasure Motorcycles in High Demand
However, there’s a silver lining in this overall gloom. Certain motorcycle models, particularly roadsters, sport bikes, and trails, are seeing remarkable increases in sales. Viewed more as a weekend leisure activity or for rides through rural areas, these motorcycles have experienced sales boosts of 39%, 36%, and 13% respectively. Motorcyclists appear to be shifting away from the utilitarian aspect of owning a motorcycle, leaning instead towards the passion, fun, and freedom it offers. Insurance companies have adapted by providing flexible policies based on mileage, making these bikes more financially accessible.
