More riders saving money and having fun

Motorbiking is booming with new research suggesting more than a million households could own a motorcycle by 2034.

More people switched to motorbikes, mopeds and scooters, some to avoid public transport, during the Covid pandemic. Now the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) has seen sustained growth for two-wheeled vehicle ownership in the UK.

The research comes from Lexham Insurance which has seen a big rise in new visitors to its site searching for motorcycle, moped and scooter insurance this year.

Other interesting facts include:

• More than 67,000 motorbike tests in the 12 months to March this year, according to the Department for Transport, the highest number since records began in 2009.
• More than 50,000 new bikers passed their tests – another record and 34% up on a yearly pre-Covid figure.
• The motorbike market grew around 10% last year, according to MCIA data. So far this year moped registrations have grown 6%, motorcycles 3.6% and electric motorbikes 20%.
• In 2020, it was estimated that 500,400 UK households owned at least one powered two-wheeler. The latest suggestion is 570,000.
• If the market grows 5% a year, just over a million UK households will have a motorbike, be it petrol or electric, by 2034.

So what is driving people on to two wheels?

Dave Willis said: “I think some of it is down to Covid, and people getting a bit of freedom back and enjoying life, as a motorcycle gives you ultimate freedom.

“It would not surprise me either if people are getting rid of a second car, with rising fuel prices and the cost-of-living squeeze, and replacing it with a moped or scooter for shorter journeys.”

Fellow director Rob Walters added that people working from home found they could manage with one car in the family.

Changing weather patterns could also be encouraging people on to motorbikes with warmer temperatures and dry days throughout the year.

The motorcycling season seems to be extending into November, hard winters are less common and many motorbikes and scooters offer good protection from the elements.

Motorbike clothing has also improved with warm, waterproof and breathable jackets, trousers, gloves and footwear. It’s also more fashionable and can be worn as casualwear.

Follow the links at the top of the page to find out more about our new and used motorbikes and protective clothing (in our online shop).