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UK: Cost of Living Crisis Expected to Spike Motorbike Sales 

Two British motorcyclists. Media sourced from RideApart.
Two British motorcyclists. Media sourced from RideApart.

It looks like more expensive houses and cars mean better chances of versatility in the motorcycle market – and a recent global survey by the Financial Times suggests this is a fast-growing global issue, following the lockdowns of 2020-to-present-day. 

The UK in particular is expecting a boom in motorcycle sales as experts at Lexham Insurance solidify a prediction for the near future.

Got your bets ready, ladies and gents?

An urban motorcyclist riding with a food delivery. Media sourced from the Evening Standard.
An urban motorcyclist riding with a food delivery. Media sourced from the Evening Standard.

“By 2034, over 1 million UK households will own and use a motorbike, scooter or moped,  as road users look to cheaper and greener modes of transport.”

The prediction comes with its usual list of proofs; we’re told 1 in 4 families have sold their automobiles to scrimp funds, while the percentage of sapiens undergoing motorcycle tests are at their highest yet – and that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

A 32% YOY increase in registrations between January and April (via MCIA) show a big spike in the purchasing of electric bikes, with the same four-month period logging a 20% increase in two-wheeled EV sales. 

An urban motorcyclist riding at night. Media sourced from Bloomberg.
an urban motorcyclist riding at night. Media sourced from Bloomberg.

The above facts are more than a little unsettling; with the Financial Times also raising awareness on the higher breadline, higher interest rates for students trying to complete a degree, and stunted vacation/luxury rates as a general whole, condensing costs are becoming mandatory. 

Candour’s Tabby Farrar has added that the Lexham prediction will be possible, given “the market maintains an overall annual growth of 5% each year ongoing…if multi-bike ownership remains at current levels.

Ducatisti enjoying a scoot on the brand machine of choice. Media sourced from Ducati Melbourne West
Ducatisti enjoying a scoot on the brand machine of choice. Media sourced from Ducati Melbourne West

What do you think?

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*Media sourced from Bloomberg, the Evening Standard, Ducati Melbourne West and RideApart*