Eight in ten riders wouldn't switch to an electric motorcycle, survey finds

Electric motorcycles may be getting plenty of attention from off-road riding fans and some manufacturers, but a new survey suggests Britain's riders remain far from convinced.

The research, carried out by Warranty Solutions Group (WSG), found that 81 per cent of riders would not currently consider swapping their petrol-powered machine for an electric motorcycle. The data shows that just 17 per cent said they would be willing to make the switch.

The findings come at a time when more manufacturers are investing heavily in electric two-wheelers. However, concerns about range, charging infrastructure, and purchase prices relative to resale value appear to be keeping many riders firmly in the internal combustion camp.

But while the electric-versus-petrol debate understandably gets the headlines, the survey also goes some way to highlighting a broader issue facing the industry: affordability.

When asked about the biggest financial pressure associated with motorcycle ownership, 38 per cent of riders identified insurance costs as their main concern. Maintenance and repair bills followed at 23 per cent, while 18 per cent highlighted the cost of riding kit and safety equipment.

Those rising costs are also being viewed as a barrier to attracting fresh blood into motorcycling. Nearly half of those surveyed (46 per cent) said high costs were likely the biggest factor discouraging new riders from taking up two-wheels. Licensing requirements and safety concerns lagged behind at 18 and 17 per cent, respectively.

There are also fears that the next generation may be less inclined to throw a leg over a motorcycle at all. More than half of respondents (52 per cent) believe younger people are now less likely to take up riding, with affordability once again emerging as a key concern.

The survey uncovered worries about road safety, too, with almost half of riders saying poor driver awareness of motorcycles remains the biggest danger they face on UK roads. A significant number reported experiencing either a near miss or a collision during the past year.

Simon Drown, Head of Specialist Products and Motorcycles at WSG, said the findings show riders are becoming increasingly focused on the practical realities of ownership, rather than the many positives of motorcycle ownership.

“Motorcycling has always been driven by passion, freedom and the riding experience, so it's perhaps not surprising that many riders remain cautious about making the switch to electric motorcycles,”

“What this survey shows is that manufacturers and the wider industry still have work to do to convince riders that electric motorcycles can deliver the same practicality, excitement and ownership confidence as traditional petrol-powered bikes.”

That sentiment was echoed by Stefan Choma, Director of Operations at SuperBike Factory, who noted that riders are increasingly weighing up long-term ownership costs before making purchasing decisions.

“The used motorcycle market continues to perform strongly because riders are making considered purchasing decisions based on real-world ownership experience,” he said.

“While electric motorcycles will undoubtedly play a role in the future of the industry, today's riders remain heavily invested in traditional motorcycles and want confidence that any alternative can genuinely meet their needs both on and off the road.”

Taken together, the results paint a picture of a motorcycle market where enthusiasm for riding remains strong, but where household budgets, ownership costs and value for money are increasingly influencing the choices riders make. For now, at least, it seems most bikers would rather opt for a more tried and tested and budget-friendly alternative to battery power.

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