United Kingdom Two Wheeler Market, By Vehicle Type (Motorcycle, Scooter/Moped), By Propulsion (ICE, Electric), By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

United Kingdom Two Wheeler market was valued at USD 880.23 million in 2024 and is anticipated to grow USD 1,125.08 million by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.23% during the forecast period. The United Kingdom two-wheeler market is witnessing notable growth, supported by increasing urban congestion, a growing preference for personal mobility, and rising environmental awareness. Consumers are increasingly turning to two-wheelers particularly electric bikes and scooters as practical, efficient, and eco-friendly commuting solutions. Government incentives, low running costs, and easier parking in dense urban areas are further driving adoption. While traditional motorcycles remain popular, electric two-wheelers are rapidly gaining traction, especially among younger and eco-conscious riders. Motorcycle traffic across Great Britain rose by 3.5% in 2024, reaching 3.0 billion vehicle miles marking a 10.6% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels. This upward trend reflects growing reliance on motorcycles for personal mobility, helping drive market expansion. Technological advancements, expanding charging infrastructure, and the integration of smart features are also enhancing market appeal, positioning the UK as a key player in Europe’s two-wheeler landscape.

Key Market Drivers

Growing Urban Congestion and Need for Efficient Mobility

One of the most significant drivers of the UK two-wheeler market is the increasing level of traffic congestion in urban areas. Cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh are experiencing heightened levels of vehicular traffic, resulting in longer travel times and higher fuel consumption. In this context, two-wheelers, including motorcycles, scooters, and e-bikes, are being increasingly adopted as practical alternatives for daily commuting.

Two-wheelers are more maneuverable, require less parking space, and can often bypass traffic jams via bus lanes or designated two-wheeler lanes. Commuters looking for time-saving, cost-effective travel solutions are drawn to two-wheelers as a means of avoiding delays associated with public transport or private cars. Additionally, the rising cost of car ownership, including fuel, insurance, maintenance, and parking, makes two-wheelers an economically viable solution for both working professionals and students. As UK cities continue to implement congestion charges and traffic control measures, two-wheeler adoption is expected to accelerate.

Rise in Electric Two-Wheeler Adoption

Another major growth driver is the increasing shift toward electric two-wheelers, such as e-scooters and e-bikes. This trend is strongly aligned with the UK government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. With regulatory support and growing environmental awareness, consumers are actively seeking out greener alternatives for short- and mid-range travel.

Electric two-wheelers provide the dual benefits of zero-emission transport and lower running costs. They are particularly attractive for urban commuting, where range anxiety is less of a concern due to shorter travel distances. Furthermore, advancements in battery technology have led to longer-lasting, faster-charging, and more reliable electric vehicles, improving the overall user experience. In May 2024, L-category vehicle registrations, including scooters and motorcycles, increased by 2.6% year-over-year. Growth was led by smaller-capacity bikes, which surged 12%, while ICE and electric models rose by 1.4% and 0.6% respectively indicating rising consumer demand across segments and supporting overall market growth.

Rising Demand for Cost-Effective Personal Mobility

The rising cost of living in the UK has led consumers to seek more cost-effective modes of transportation. In this economic climate, two-wheelers offer a practical solution with lower upfront costs, reduced fuel or electricity consumption, and less expensive maintenance compared to four-wheeled vehicles. This affordability is especially appealing to younger consumers, gig economy workers, and students who require independent mobility on a limited budget. According to the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS), the cost of living continued to rise in 2024, with inflation rates for transportation-related expenses such as fuel and vehicle insurance increasing by over 6% year-on-year. This economic pressure is pushing more consumers especially gig economy workers and students toward lower-cost alternatives like motorcycles and scooters.

Moreover, the growing popularity of food delivery and last-mile courier services has increased the demand for two-wheelers in commercial and semi-commercial settings. Delivery personnel and businesses alike benefit from the low operational costs and increased agility that two-wheelers provide, particularly in dense urban environments. This surge in demand from the logistics and delivery sectors is also contributing to the steady growth of both traditional and electric two-wheeler sales in the UK.

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Key Market Challenges

Safety Concerns and Road Infrastructure Limitations

One of the most persistent challenges for the two-wheeler market in the UK is rider safety. Compared to car occupants, motorcyclists and cyclists face a significantly higher risk of injury or fatality in road accidents. According to government statistics, two-wheeler users represent a disproportionately high share of road casualties relative to their overall road usage. These safety concerns continue to deter potential consumers, particularly older riders and parents purchasing for their children.

Compounding this issue is the state of the UK’s road infrastructure, which often lacks dedicated lanes or priority systems for two-wheelers. Many urban centers still do not have fully integrated cycling or scooter networks, making it difficult for riders to navigate safely alongside larger vehicles. Uneven road surfaces, potholes, and inadequate signage also pose hazards, especially for electric two-wheelers that require smooth and consistent surfaces for optimal performance. Although investments are being made to improve cycling and micro-mobility infrastructure, progress remains slow and fragmented across cities and regions. This lack of safe, dedicated infrastructure continues to hamper the adoption of two-wheelers, particularly among risk-averse demographics.

Regulatory Uncertainty and Legal Barriers

Another major challenge affecting the UK two-wheeler market is the lack of clear, unified regulation—particularly concerning electric two-wheelers such as e-scooters. While private e-bikes are legally permitted on public roads, private e-scooters remain largely restricted unless used within government-approved trial zones. This regulatory inconsistency causes confusion among consumers, limits broader market adoption, and stifles innovation in the electric mobility space.

Additionally, licensing, insurance, and helmet laws vary by vehicle category and region, creating further complexities for new users. For example, mopeds and motorcycles require specific training and testing under the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) system, which may be perceived as a barrier to entry for casual or first-time users. Insurance premiums for motorcyclists—especially younger riders—can also be prohibitively expensive due to higher perceived risk levels. These legal and financial hurdles can discourage consumers from choosing two-wheelers, even if they are more affordable and sustainable alternatives to cars in the long run.

Key Market Trends

Integration of Smart and Connected Features

The integration of smart technologies and connected features is rapidly gaining popularity across the UK two-wheeler market. Manufacturers are focusing on making two-wheelers more intelligent and user-friendly, especially to appeal to tech-savvy, younger demographics. Modern motorcycles and electric scooters now come equipped with digital displays, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration, enabling real-time ride analytics and route planning.

More advanced models offer Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities such as remote diagnostics, ride tracking, geo-fencing, anti-theft alerts, and even over-the-air software updates. These connected features not only improve rider safety and convenience but also enhance the overall user experience by making two-wheelers more interactive and intuitive. As UK consumers increasingly demand the same level of digital functionality in their personal mobility devices as they do in smartphones and cars, the trend toward smart two-wheelers is expected to accelerate.

Growing Popularity of Two-Wheeler Sharing and Subscription Models

Another emerging trend is the rise of two-wheeler sharing schemes and subscription-based ownership models, especially in densely populated urban areas. In response to the increasing demand for flexible, affordable, and sustainable mobility, companies are launching e-bike and e-scooter rental services in major UK cities such as London, Bristol, and Manchester. These services offer consumers the ability to access two-wheelers on-demand without the financial and logistical burden of ownership.

Subscription services are also gaining traction, particularly among young professionals and students. These models allow users to pay a monthly fee that covers the cost of the vehicle, maintenance, insurance, and breakdown assistance. This approach not only lowers the barrier to entry for consumers but also supports the circular economy by maximizing vehicle utilization. The growing preference for shared mobility solutions is reshaping how two-wheelers are accessed and used in the UK, and this trend is likely to grow as cities promote low-emission zones and car-free initiatives.

Rise in Use of Two-Wheelers for Commercial Applications

The UK’s expanding gig economy and booming last-mile delivery sector are driving increased demand for two-wheelers in commercial applications. Food delivery platforms like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat, as well as parcel delivery services, are increasingly relying on motorcycles, scooters, and e-bikes for efficient urban logistics. Two-wheelers offer greater speed, flexibility, and fuel efficiency in congested city centers compared to vans or cars, making them the preferred choice for couriers and delivery drivers. According to a 2024 report by Transport for London (TfL) and industry sources, demand for two-wheelers in last-mile delivery has surged, with over 25% of food and parcel deliveries in central London now made using motorcycles, scooters, or e-bikes. Deliveroo and Just Eat reported a combined 20% increase in active delivery riders using two-wheelers between 2023 and 2024.

Electric models are particularly well-suited for these applications due to their low running costs and eligibility for use in Clean Air Zones (CAZs), where ICE vehicles may face additional charges. This trend has led to the emergence of fleet-based services offering electric two-wheelers specifically tailored to business users, including swappable battery systems and integrated fleet management software. As e-commerce and on-demand delivery continue to grow, the commercial use of two-wheelers is expected to become an increasingly important segment of the UK market.

Segmental Insights

Vehicle Type Insights

Motorcycles represent the dominating segment in the United Kingdom two-wheeler market, driven by their versatility, performance, and strong cultural appeal. They are widely used for both commuting and recreational purposes, offering higher speeds and longer-range capabilities compared to scooters and e-bikes. The segment benefits from a well-established market presence, robust aftermarket services, and a loyal customer base. Advancements in safety features, engine efficiency, and design aesthetics continue to attract a broad demographic, including young riders and enthusiasts. Additionally, the increasing availability of electric motorcycles is further strengthening the segment’s dominance amid the broader shift toward eco-friendly transportation.

Propulsion Insights

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles remain the dominating segment in the United Kingdom two-wheeler market, primarily due to their established presence, affordability, and widespread availability. ICE-powered motorcycles and scooters offer superior range, quick refueling, and robust performance, making them a preferred choice for both daily commuting and long-distance travel. The existing infrastructure for fuel stations, extensive service networks, and lower upfront costs compared to electric models further reinforce their dominance. While electric alternatives are gaining momentum, ICE two-wheelers continue to lead the market, especially among traditional riders and in rural or semi-urban regions where charging infrastructure is still limited.

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Regional Insights

England stands as the dominating region in the United Kingdom two-wheeler market, driven by its high population density, extensive urban infrastructure, and strong demand for personal mobility solutions. Major cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester exhibit significant adoption of motorcycles, scooters, and e-bikes due to traffic congestion, limited parking, and growing environmental awareness. England also hosts the majority of two-wheeler dealerships, repair centers, and rental services, making access and maintenance more convenient. Additionally, government initiatives in urban areas—such as Clean Air Zones and investments in micro-mobility infrastructure further support two-wheeler usage, reinforcing England’s leadership in the UK two-wheeler landscape.

Recent Developments

• In Jan 2025, KTM launched 390 Adventure R in the UK, alongside the more road-focused Adventure X. Both models now feature the new 399 cc LC4c engine, advanced WP suspension, cornering ABS, traction control, ride modes, and a 5‑inch TFT display.

• In April 2025, Ultraviolette officially entered the UK market with its flagship F77 Mach 2 Recon electric motorcycle, partnering with MotoMondo as its importer. It boasts a 10.3 kWh battery, 323 km range, ABS, traction control, ride modes, and a 5‑inch TFT display.

• In Nov 2024, Hero MotoCorp plans to enter the UK and Europe in H2 2025 with its VIDA Z electric scooter and premium ICE bikes like Xpulse 210 and Xtreme 250R. It’s partnered with MotoGB UK and European distributors to expand under its Vida brand

• In March 2023, Lexmoto has unveiled the RSS Street 125, a neo‑retro 125 cc roadster aimed at beginner riders as a rival to the Yamaha XSR125. Powered by a 14 bhp liquid‑cooled engine with 6‑speed transmission, it features LED lighting, color TFT display.

Key Market Players

• BMW Group UK
• Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.
• Harley-Davidson Europe Ltd
• Honda Motor Co.,Ltd.
• KTM Motorcycles
• Piaggio & C. SpA
• Royal Enfield UK Limited
• Suzuki Motor Corporation
• Triumph Motorcycles Ltd
• Yamaha Motor Company Limited

Report Scope:

In this report, the United Kingdom Two Wheeler Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• United Kingdom Two Wheeler Market, By Vehicle Type:

o   Motorcycle

o   Scooter/Moped

• United Kingdom Two Wheeler Market, By Propulsion:

o   ICE

o   Electric

• United Kingdom Two Wheeler Market, By Region:

o   England

o   Scotland

o   Wales

o   Northern Ireland

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the United Kingdom Two Wheeler Market.

Available Customizations:

United Kingdom Two Wheeler Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

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