In 2025, new motorcycle registrations in the UK saw a substantial decline of 19.3%, representing 22,477 fewer registrations than the previous year. According to data from the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), 90,640 internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles were registered during the year, alongside 3,282 electric bikes sold by dealers.
This contrasts with 112,649 ICE bikes in 2024, along with another 3,750 EVs – wrapping up a tough year for the UK motorcycle industry, which has seen several long-standing dealerships shut down for good. The numbers come from data covering the whole of the UK, including the Isle of Man, Jersey, and Guernsey.
In November, MCIA Chief Executive Tony Campbell hoped to hit 95,000 registrations by year’s end, but the total fell short by 1,078 two- and three-wheelers. The 2025 figure of 93,922 is also 10,690 fewer than in 2020, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Campbell noted the result was close to their early forecast and pointed to many exciting new 2026 models launched at EICMA and Motorcycle Live. He said comparing 2025 to 2024 isn’t very useful, as the drop was inflated by thousands of bikes pre-registered ahead of the Euro5 emissions phase-out. With low-carbon mobility high on the Department for Transport’s agenda, MCIA is working to ensure the industry plays a key role, pushing for supportive policies amid upcoming micromobility legislation and a review of rider licensing and testing.
The Government announced a licence and testing review on January 7, proposing changes like a training-based approach to licence progression, theory tests for CBT assessments, and mandatory breaks between retakes to stop riders from endlessly using L-plates. Campbell noted that 2026 will be a big year for the transport sector, with new road charging policies and changes to vehicle excise duty taking effect. He added that during cost-of-living squeezes the sector often thrives as people seek cheaper transport options, and urged the Government to embrace smaller, lighter, and more affordable vehicles to help cut emissions. He also called for openness to low-carbon combustible fuels, stressing that battery electric is only part of the solution. This push comes after the European Commission announced a post-2035 automotive strategy with a 90% tailpipe emission reduction target, allowing the remaining 10% to be offset by e-fuels, biofuels, or low-carbon steel. Whether the UK motorcycle market will follow remains uncertain, as no official phase-out plan for traditional combustion bikes has been confirmed.
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