Europe Two-Wheeler Market Trends and Insights
Rapid Expansion of E-Commerce Delivery Fleets Demanding Low-TCO 2Ws
Online shopping’s rise places two-wheelers at the heart of last-mile logistics; Amazon’s network of over 13,000 European delivery partners in 2024 typifies the scale. Last-mile parcel volumes have been increasing significantly, with couriers typically covering considerable distances per shift. Electric scooters have drastically reduced energy costs per kilometer compared to petrol and have also cut maintenance frequency. Pilot initiatives by Glovo and Deliveroo in key cities have achieved notable savings in operating expenses. While fixed-route operators prefer depot chargers, gig couriers rely on public or swappable solutions. For example, Swobbee operates swap kiosks in major cities, enabling quick exchanges that keep fleets operational for extended hours daily. Cities are enhancing these economic benefits; for instance, Milan’s Area B offers unrestricted access, saving operators substantial annual congestion-fee savings.Euro 5+ Emission Shift Triggering Pre-Buy and Model Refresh
The enforcement of Euro 5+ standards increased per-unit compliance costs, a burden swiftly transferred to consumers. ACEM experienced a significant increase in registrations as dealers offered discounts on outgoing stock, creating a volume gap in the subsequent period. Honda and Yamaha introduced several updated models, incorporating advanced ride-by-wire throttles and lean-angle sensors designed for future software upgrades. Residual values diverged as older Euro 4 bikes depreciated more rapidly within expanding low-emission zones, prompting cost-conscious riders to opt for certified pre-owned Euro 5+ units. Furthermore, mandatory onboard diagnostics under Regulation 168/2013 now provide usage data, enabling insurers to implement telematics-based pricing .Lithium-Spot-Price Volatility Hitting EV MSRP Stability
Lithium carbonate prices have fluctuated sharply, directly affecting scooter battery costs . Niu, a prominent player, initially raised sticker prices in Europe but later rolled them back, causing dealer disruptions. These price adjustments have created market uncertainty, affecting dealer confidence and consumer purchasing behavior. The EU's Critical Raw Materials Act aims to bolster regional sourcing. Yet the bloc refines only a fraction of the world's lithium hydroxide, leaving OEMs at the mercy of overseas supply vulnerabilities. This reliance on offshore suppliers underscores the need for increased investment in local refining capabilities to mitigate supply chain risks and ensure long-term stability.Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:
- Battery-Swap Business Models Lowering Up-Front EV Cost for Urban Users
- OEM Modular Platforms Enabling 6-Month Model Cycles
- High Insurance Premiums for Below 25-Year-Old Riders
Segment Analysis
Motorcycles generated 79.28% of 2025 turnover; however, scooters are slated for a brisk 7.32% CAGR to 2031 as delivery fleets and urban commuters prize their agility. The European market for scooters is projected to grow significantly, driven by the introduction of new battery-swap compatible designs. Poste Italiane’s fleet of electric scooters showcases the operational savings that attract enterprise buyers to step-through frames. While lifestyle-oriented motorcycles still hold sway in touring and sport segments, their prominence is gradually diminishing as younger riders and shared-mobility users gravitate towards more practical scooters.OEMs that successfully combine compact frames with swappable batteries and integrated cargo boxes are reaping the benefits of the scooter surge. Chinese suppliers are capitalizing on their cost advantages, whereas established European players are banking on brand trust and robust after-sales networks. As congestion tolls become more stringent, scooters are transitioning from luxury items to essential tools in logistics, healthcare, and municipal services, solidifying their long-term significance in the European two-wheeler landscape.
ICE powertrains still commanded 89.21% of 2025 unit sales, yet electric deliveries are forecast to grow 8.13% through 2031. Countries with a high number of public charging points per capita are witnessing clusters of electric vehicle penetration. This trend has led to notable adoption rates in both the Netherlands and Norway. Furthermore, fleet procurement decisions are already being influenced by anticipated CO₂ norms for L-category vehicles.
The European two-wheeler market share for electric models is projected to climb by 2031, buoyed by declining battery costs and fleet incentives. ICE mid-displacement classes (250-500 cc) remain resilient for touring aficionados seeking range, yet face gradual displacement as rapid-charge networks extend highway capability for premium electric sport bikes.
Complete Report Scope:
- By Vehicle Type
- Motorcycles
- Scooters
- By Propulsion
- Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)
- Electric
- By Engine Capacity / Motor Power
- Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)
- Up to110 cc
- 111-125 cc
- 126-150 cc
- 151-200 cc
- 201-250 cc
- 250-350 cc
- 350-500 cc
- Above 500 cc
- Electric
- Up to 1.0 kW
- 1.1-3.0 kW
- 3.1-5.0 kW
- Above 5.0 kW
- Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)
- By Price Band
- Up to USD 1,000
- USD 1,000-1,500
- USD 1,501-2,000
- USD 2,001-3,000
- USD 3,001-5,000
- Above USD 5,000
- By End User
- B2C
- B2B
- Ride-Hail / Bike-Taxi / Rental / Tourism
- Delivery and Logistics
- Corporate and SME Fleets
- Others (Government and Institutional, NGO)
- Sales Channel
- Online
- Offline
- Geography
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- United Kingdom
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Poland
- Austria
- Belgium
- Norway
- Czech Republic
- Portugal
- Greece
List of Companies Covered in this Report:
- BMW Motorrad
- Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.
- Harley-Davidson Inc.
- Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
- KTM AG
- Piaggio and C. SpA
- Royal Enfield (Eicher Motors)
- Suzuki Motor Corporation
- Triumph Motorcycles Ltd
- Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
- Niu Technologies
- Yadea Group Holdings Ltd
- Zero Motorcycles Inc.
- Kawasaki Motors Ltd
- Peugeot Motocycles
Additional Benefits:
- The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
- 3 months of analyst support
Table of Contents
Companies Mentioned (Partial List)
A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:
- BMW Motorrad
- Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.
- Harley-Davidson Inc.
- Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
- KTM AG
- Piaggio and C. SpA
- Royal Enfield (Eicher Motors)
- Suzuki Motor Corporation
- Triumph Motorcycles Ltd
- Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
- Niu Technologies
- Yadea Group Holdings Ltd
- Zero Motorcycles Inc.
- Kawasaki Motors Ltd
- Peugeot Motocycles

