Following seven consecutive years of growth, Europe’s market for powered two wheelers went into reverse last year, falling by 13.2% to 1,002,848 (including 27,172 battery electric vehicles). Euro 5+ pre-registrations were largely responsible for the fall.
Across Europe’s five biggest motorcycle markets only Spain increased registrations; Italy, France, Germany and the UK were all down compared to 2024.
Moped registrations, including EVs were down 21.3% at 142,060 and continue a steady decline in fortunes since 2020, when the pandemic gave sales a hefty boost. Since those heady days, the European appetite for sub-50cc two-wheelers has more than halved.
Antonio Perlot, ACEM secretary general put a brave face on the news: “Despite a challenging economic backdrop in Europe, the L-category continues to show resilience, remaining an attractive option for mobility and leisure. We will need to wait for the first half of the year to better assess how the market evolves in 2026.”