Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular, MCIA figures show
The two-wheeler market in the UK is continuing to grow, as figures for April from the MCIA have revealed, particularly for 125-equivalent electrics.
The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) has published its figures for April, which show growth in the motorcycle market, both for combustion and electric two-wheelers.
In comparison to April 2021, the year-to-date growth of the motorcycle market in the UK is 32.4%, while the growth in the month of April alone is 4.2% compared to 2021, according to the MCIA's figures for April.
In total, 11,327 two-wheelers were registered in April 2022, bringing the year-to-date total up to 39,510. In comparison, last year saw 10,874 two-wheelers registered in April, which then brought the year-to-date total to 29,844.
The most popular motorcycles of April were scooters (where the most popular model was the Honda PCX 125), with 2,681 registered in April, bringing the year-to-date total up to 9,119. After scooters are adventure bikes (where the most popular model has been the Triumph Tiger 660 Sport), with 7,524 sold through the year so far as of April, although nakeds (where the most popular model has been the Honda CBF 125 M) outsold adventurers in April: while there were 1,810 adventure bikes registered in April, there were 2,152 naked registrations.
Electric bikes also continued to show growth in April. There has been a 68.5% increase in electric registrations in 2022’s April year-to-date compared to 2021, while in April alone the increase in electric registrations has been 32% compared to last year.
Of particular note is the increase in popularity in the 11-15kW category, which can be seen as 125cc-equivalent. To-date in 2022, this category has seen a 3,150% increase in registrations compared to 2021. This shows the utility of electric power in a period where fuel prices are so high. Of course, fuel prices have reduced slightly in more recent weeks, while gas and electric prices are expected to increase further later this year, which could have a negative impact on electric sales. But, overall, it has been a positive month - and start to the year - for the electrics.
