March 6th, 2021.


“As anticipated, the Power Two Wheelers (PTWs) market saw a downturn in February as current restrictions continue to affect sales and new riders’ training remains on hold”, said Paddy O’Connell, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents PTW dealers in the UK commenting on the latest MCIA’s figures.

The MCIA’s latest registration figures showed sales of PTWs declined by 37.7% in February YoY, with 2,868 units. Only two segments saw an improvement from last year: 0-50cc (up 15.3%) and electric or ePTWs.

February saw two and a half times more sales of ePTWs than the same month last year, jumping from 98 to 245 units (+150%). With Compulsory Basic Training still on hold, these bikes are likely being registered by existing riders as an alternative.

The Sur-Ron Light Bee battery Enduro bike, which managed 30 registrations on its own, shows that there are a number of “new to market” manufacturers who are actively recruiting dealers to retail their latest ePTW products.

In the notable categories: Adventure Sport was down -34%, Naked -52.3%, Enduro -17.3% and motorcycles in general declined -40.9%. Honda held on to the top spot, registering exactly 25% more PTWs than second-placed Yamaha.

Paddy O’Connell added: “Despite the February figures, NMDA members are still keeping a positive outlook for 2021. With the warmer spring weather approaching, most dealers are looking forward to a robust April when they are finally allowed to reopen and able to welcome back their customers.

“As we expect all the pent-up demand to be released, attracting different age demographics and new riders will continue to feature strongly in NMDA’s activities on behalf of our members”.