Bad times for the two-wheel market. During the first half of 2024, sales fell by 5.3% with 146,041 registrations compared to 154,271 in 2023, according to the Solly Azar/AAA Data Two-Wheel Observatory. This decline may seem slight. It is, but only thanks to motorcycles whose sales fell by only 2.3%.
“While spring was supposed to open the motorcycle season (…), it was marked by unpredictable weather conditions that could have had a strong impact on market dynamics,” explains Maëlle Faure, Product Manager for Auto and Motorcycles at Solly Azar.
For most motorcyclists, riding a motorcycle remains a pleasure. The arrival of good weather and the effects of the CPF on licensing should reset the curve this summer. Between January and May 2024, 122,000 people used it to finance their license. Many people will treat themselves to a new or used motorcycle this year.
The death of the cycle.
However, the situation is much more worrying for mopeds, whether they are thermal or electric. Sales of new vehicles fell by 16.6% (30,215 units) and second-hand sales fell by 9.4% (105,092 units).
“Supply has been well below demand for several years, which explains this downward trend,” explains Solly Azar.
This sector is particularly benefiting from the rise of new forms of mobility such as electric bicycles, scooters and unlicensed cars. In the city, paid parking, 30 km/h speed limits, technical inspections in addition to registration requirements and mandatory safety equipment (approved helmets and gloves) are weighing down this sector year after year, which is gradually disappearing, according to Philippe Saby, director of Solly Azar.
“Customers are reasonable, between the constraints and the price of a bike, a bicycle or a scooter, the choice is made quickly,” notes Philippe Saby.
Electric bikes: 20% drop
Teleworking has also had a negative effect on the moped market.
“The reduction in average mileage among commuters on two-wheeled vehicles has reduced wear and tear on vehicles and the need to replace them,” said Marie-Laure Nivot, head of automotive market analysis at AAA Data.
Electricity could not even stop the decline. Sales of new bikes fell by -20.2% and those of used bikes by -18.6%. Dealers are taking this trend head on. In Paris, 28 out of 480 stores will close in 2023. The big brands are not spared. In the capital too, three of the eight Peugeot dealerships will close in 2023.
Solly Azar also attributes this collapse to “the difficulties encountered by self-service electric scooter fleet companies, following the non-renewal of contracts.”
“It’s an atypical market. Half of the sales are made by companies. Last year, Troopy and Cooltra bought around 800 units. This year we can’t find them, hence the 20% drop,” explains Maëlle Faure.
The failure of electric two-wheelers
But beyond mopeds, what remains worrying is the entire market for electric two-wheeled vehicles.
“There is no public or supply for electric motorcycles,” laments Philippe Saby.
“It’s not part of biker culture yet. It might be in a few decades, but for now…”
In the case of cycling, not only is the purchase of fleets decreasing, but there is also no public. In regions where distances are greater, those who need a bicycle buy a thermal one, and in the city, individuals will prefer to equip themselves with a bicycle or an electric scooter.
Source: BFM TV
