A total of 1,004,063 motorcycles were registered in 2018 in the EU according to the final figures published today by the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM). This represents an increase of 9.9% compared to 2017 numbers. The largest motorcycle markets in Europe in 2018 were: Italy (219,694 units), France (177,460 units) and Spain (159,946 motorcycles). Motorcycle figures include both two- and three-wheeled vehicles with an engine capacity above 50cc as well as electric motorcycles.
The European moped market dropped from 399,420 units in 2017 to 273,645 in 2018. This represented a decrease of 31.5%. The largest markets for mopeds in Europe were: France (72,940), Netherlands (58,969), Germany (25,634), Belgium (21,391) and Italy (21,326).
Registrations of electric motorcyles and mopeds increased in 2018 in the EU
In addition, the European electric motorcycle market grew from 4,121 units in 2017 to 7,478 units in 2018 (+81.5%). However, it remains at niche levels. Only 0.75% of all motorcycles registered in Europe in 2018 were electric. Registrations of electric mopeds in the EU increased substantially from 27,029 units in 2017 to 39,701 units in 2018 (+46.9%). The electric quadricycle market remained substantially stable at 3,242 units (-2.4% vs 2017).
Quote
Commenting on the latest market trends ACEM Secretary General Antonio Perlot said:
“2018 has been a positive year for the motorcycle industry, with motorcycle registrations increasing in almost all EU countries, and double digit growth figures in key markets such as Spain and Germany. Notwithstanding the short term fluctuations created by the shift from the Euro 3 to the Euro 4 standard, the European motorcycle market shows a general positive trend since 2013”.
“On the other hand, moped registrations in 2018 suffered a significant reduction, largely linked to the effect of the transition to Euro 4. This decline was only partially compensanted by higher electric moped registrations. Indeed, although the number of electric mopeds sold increased by 47% on a year-on-year basis, for the time being the absolute volumes remain at niche levels”.
“In any event, combined registrations of electric L-category vehicles (i.e. mopeds, motorcycles and quadricycles) do show a clear upward trend since 2011. This is particularly the case for those vehicle segments used for short- and medium range urban commuting and for which electrification is technically easier.
Corrigendum (12 February 2019)
This web article was amended on 12 February 2019. The previous version of the text incorrectly stated that Germany was the third largest motorcycle market in Europe. In 2018 Spain was the third largest motorcycle market in the EU, behind Italy and France.
Documents available to download
ACEM – Statistical press release – 2018 figures [pdf]
ACEM – 2018 Final registrations figures [xls]
ACEM – 2018 Final registrations charts [xls]
Press contact
Manuel Ordonez de Barraicua
ACEM communications manager
E. [email protected]
M. +32 496 52 65 17
