European motorcycle registrations jump 16.8 per cent in first half of 2026 as every major market grows
Motorcycle registrations across Europe's five biggest markets climbed by 16.8 per cent in the first six months of 2026, with Germany leading the way and the UK also posting strong growth.
Europe's motorcycle market has continued its strong run into 2026, with registrations across the continent's five biggest markets rising by 16.8 per cent during the first half of the year.
New figures released by ACEM, the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers, show that 636,490 new motorcycles were registered between January and June 2026 across France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. That's up from 545,127 registrations during the same period in 2025.
Every one of the five key markets posted growth, although Germany saw the biggest leap with registrations climbing 27.6 per cent to 114,849 bikes. Spain followed with a 23.6 per cent increase to 141,101 registrations, while the UK recorded 54,962 new motorcycles, up 15.8 per cent year-on-year.
Italy remained Europe's biggest motorcycle market by volume, with 220,776 new registrations, although with a slightly lower 13.2 per cent increase year-on-year. France rounded out the top five with 104,802 registrations, up 6.4 per cent.
The moped market also continued its recovery. Across the six European markets monitored by ACEM, registrations rose by 4.7 per cent to 72,076 units during the first six months of the year.
Italy recorded the strongest growth, with registrations up 18.2 per cent, while Germany, Spain, Belgium and France all posted gains. The Netherlands was the only market to move in the opposite direction, with registrations falling by 5.4 per cent.
ACEM says the figures point to continued demand for powered two-wheelers across Europe, with motorcycles now sitting well above their pre-pandemic registration levels. However, the organisation also noted that it will be watching closely to see whether the current growth continues through the remainder of the riding season before drawing firm conclusions on the market's long-term trajectory.
Speaking about the results, Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said:
"The first half of 2026 demonstrates sustained momentum in the European motorcycle market as we move through the peak riding season. Registrations across our five largest markets reached 636.490 units, up 16,8% year-on-year, with consistent growth across the monitored markets. The announced recovery for the moped segment seems to be confirmed with an increase in registrations of 4,7% at the end of the first semester, reflecting increasing demand across the L-category in its different segments.
Looking at long-term trends, what stands out is that motorcycle registrations are now 27% ahead of pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This is not simply a recovery, but evidence of sustained expansion in consumer interest for powered two-wheelers. The L-category has consistently demonstrated its relevance as both a practical transport solution and a leisure choice for European consumers.
We must see how the trend holds through the autumn months before drawing conclusions about the sustained market momentum."
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
