What you need to know
Since 2013, motorcycles, mopeds and scooters have benefitted from a period of growth. After suffering from what was a steady decline in demand, new sales grew between 2013 and 2016 to 128,600 units or £711 million. This improvement in performance for the market comes as the use of two-wheelers (motorcycles, mopeds and scooters) also shows some evidence of growth – especially in urban areas. Nevertheless, they remain overshadowed by cars as the preferred form of transport both in sales and distance travelled.
Internally the market is seeing a shift away from mopeds and scooters towards motorcycles when it comes to new sales. Higher powered 126cc+ machines are also proving popular with buyers, although 125cc models remain significant when it comes to the motorcycle parc. Naked bikes, in particular, are growing in popularity as a growing number of buyers seek out retro styling when making their next purchase
Mintel’s exclusive research notes how motorcycles, mopeds and scooters have limited penetration with only 6% of adults currently owning one. However, 15% of adults who do not currently own a two-wheeler say they would consider purchasing a motorcycle, moped or scooter. In terms of use, leisure dominates for both current and potential owners. For adults under-45, as well as those living in urban areas, activities such as commuting as well as social travel are also seen as important. For those with no intention of owning, a lack of interest (52%) followed by a risk of an accident (43%) are the main barriers cited.
Our research amongst adults notes that motorcycles, mopeds and scooters are seen as offering a number of advantages. Around three quarters (73%) feel they offer the opportunity for easier parking while 59% say they are more economical to run than a car while 58% say that they offer a quicker commute. However, 75% say they are riskier than driving a car and 59% that they are hard to secure from theft.
Products covered in this Report
For the purposes of this Report, Mintel has used the following definitions as used by the MCIA (Motorcycle Industry Association):
| Adventure Sport | These bikes are similar in style to Trail/Enduro motorcycles but are predominantly designed and capable for on-road use only. Often they will have features similar to machines included in the Touring category, eg fairings, luggage carrying capacity etc. |
| Custom | These machines include ‘cruisers’ and ‘choppers’. They typically feature high handlebars, low seat height and forward footrests. Body panels and fittings contain high polished chrome content. |
| Naked | Machines are built to a basic specification with no fairing (or only a small handlebar fairing) and an upright riding position – sometimes also referred to as Retro or Traditional. |
| Sport/Tourer | Machines that fit between the Supersport and Touring bikes categories. Typical features include full or partial fairings and practical rider and pillion seating with low to medium ride handlebars. Tend to have medium- to large-capacity engines. |
| Supersport | These machines are designed to mimic or directly replicate racing bikes. They normally have full fairings and low handlebars and are sometimes referred to as race replicas. |
| Scooters | Have an engine as an integral part of the rear suspension, or the chassis is a step-through type, irrespective of cc or wheel size. Includes all types of transmission. |
| Touring | Bikes generally have large engines and are designed for long-distance riding. Typical features include a more comfortable seating position for rider and pillion, luggage-carrying capability and weather protection, such as fairings with a fixed or adjustable windscreen. |
| Trail/Enduro | These bikes encompass trial, Enduro and trail bikes with an off-road or cross-country capability. These motorcycles are predominantly used off-road but do have an on-road use and are therefore included in this Report. |
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