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Date: July 1, 2025

Electric two-wheelers are rapidly growing, yet ICE vehicles continue to lead the global market due to affordability and infrastructure advantages.

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The two-wheeler industry stands as one of the most dynamic and essential segments of the global automotive landscape, playing a pivotal role in shaping everyday mobility, particularly in developing and densely populated countries. From urban centers teeming with traffic congestion to rural areas with limited public transportation infrastructure, two-wheelers have emerged as the most practical, affordable, and accessible mode of transport. This industry encompasses a diverse range of vehicles—including motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, and, more recently, electric two-wheelers—each catering to specific consumer preferences and usage scenarios. Whether it's the daily office-goer navigating city traffic, a rural farmer transporting goods to market, or a delivery executive ensuring last-mile connectivity, two-wheelers serve as indispensable mobility tools. Their low fuel consumption, lower maintenance cost, and compact design make them particularly appealing in regions where cost-effectiveness and ease of use are paramount. In recent years, the two-wheeler industry has experienced rapid technological and structural transformations. As consumer expectations evolve, manufacturers are not only competing on affordability and performance but also on design innovation, smart features, fuel efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles continue to dominate the global landscape, especially in countries where fuel infrastructure is well-d

eveloped and EV charging infrastructure is still in its nascent stages. However, the rise of electric two-wheelers is steadily reshaping the industry’s future, propelled by increasing environmental awareness, supportive government policies, and advances in battery technology. Governments around the world, especially in Asia-Pacific and Europe, are incentivizing electric mobility through subsidies, tax breaks, and infrastructure development programs, making electric two-wheelers more accessible to the masses.According to the research report “Global Two-wheeler Market Outlook, 2030” published by Bonafide Research, the global market is projected to reach market size of USD 187.33 Billion by 2030 increasing from USD 140.02 Billion in 2024, growing with 5.08% CAGR by 2025-30. The Asia-Pacific region remains the epicenter of the two-wheeler industry, contributing the lion’s share of global production and sales. Countries like India, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam have deeply embedded two-wheelers into the socio-economic fabric, using them not only for personal commuting but also for small-scale commercial and delivery operations. In these markets, two-wheelers are not just vehicles—they are a symbol of progress, independence, and economic mobility. Meanwhile, in more developed nations, two-wheelers are often marketed as lifestyle products or recreational vehicles, with a growing interest in premium bikes and electric options. This global variation in usage and consumer behavi

or has led to a diverse and competitive market, pushing manufacturers to innovate and customize offerings to meet regional demands. The industry’s resilience was notably evident during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. As public transport became less viable due to health concerns, personal mobility gained unprecedented importance, leading to a sharp rebound in two-wheeler sales in many regions. Moreover, the continued expansion of the gig economy and e-commerce sectors has increased the demand for two-wheelers for delivery and courier services, opening up new avenues for growth. As we move into an era increasingly defined by digitalization, urbanization, and sustainability, the two-wheeler industry is poised to undergo further transformation. With ongoing innovation in electric mobility, smart connectivity, and safety technology, two-wheelers will remain central to the future of personal and commercial transportation across the globe.Motorcycles dominate the segment globally, especially in emerging economies like India, Indonesia, and various parts of Africa, where their superior engine power, durability, and fuel efficiency make them ideal for long-distance travel, rural usage, and even small-scale commercial transport. They come in various engine capacities—most commonly under 150cc in developing markets—catering to budget-conscious daily commuters as well as to aspirational youth through mid-range and premium models. On the other hand, scooters are particularly popular in u

rban environments due to their ease of use, automatic transmission, and unisex appeal. Countries like India, Taiwan, and Vietnam have witnessed tremendous growth in scooter adoption among students, working women, and elderly riders, thanks to their lightweight frames, storage space, and city-friendly design. The rise of electric two-wheelers marks a transformative shift within the industry, driven by rising environmental consciousness, government incentives, and advances in battery and charging technologies. Electric scooters and bikes are gaining traction in urban centers for their low operating costs, zero emissions, and suitability for short-distance commuting, with markets like China and India leading the charge in EV penetration. Lastly, mopeds, though a smaller segment globally, still maintain a niche presence, especially in certain rural or semi-urban areas where ultra-low-cost mobility is critical. Mopeds offer simple mechanics, low speed, and high fuel efficiency, appealing to older consumers and those who prioritize function over performance.The global two-wheeler market, when segmented by engine capacity—namely <150cc, 151–400cc, 401–800cc, and >801cc—reveals a clear stratification of consumer preferences based on affordability, usage purpose, and regional dynamics. The <150cc segment holds the dominant share of the market, particularly in Asia-Pacific countries like India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, where two-wheelers serve as the primary mode of transpor

tation for millions. These vehicles are valued for their excellent fuel efficiency, low upfront and maintenance costs, and ease of maneuverability in congested urban settings. Commuters, students, and first-time buyers overwhelmingly prefer this category, which includes entry-level motorcycles and scooters designed for short to moderate distances. The 151–400cc segment, while smaller in volume, is growing steadily, especially among young urban professionals and enthusiasts who seek more power, better performance, and enhanced styling without significantly compromising on fuel economy or affordability. This category also caters to semi-premium commuting and light touring needs, making it popular in emerging markets transitioning toward lifestyle-oriented mobility. The 401–800cc segment largely captures the attention of mature riders and motorcycle enthusiasts who seek a balance between performance and practicality. These mid-capacity bikes are often used for long-distance touring, sport riding, or adventure biking and are popular in North America, Europe, and some urban pockets in Asia where disposable incomes are higher. Finally, the >801cc segment represents the high-end or luxury category of the two-wheeler market. This includes cruisers, superbikes, and performance motorcycles from brands like Harley-Davidson, Ducati, BMW, and Triumph. Buyers in this segment are typically affluent individuals who ride for leisure, long tours, or brand prestige. These bikes offer high-speed

performance, advanced safety features, and cutting-edge technology, but come with significantly higher ownership and maintenance costs. The global two-wheeler market, when segmented by propulsion type into Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and Electric, presents a landscape in transition—rooted in legacy systems yet increasingly influenced by the push toward sustainability and clean mobility. ICE two-wheelers continue to dominate the market globally, especially in developing economies across Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa. These vehicles are favored for their affordability, longer range, quick refueling, widespread fuel infrastructure, and well-established servicing networks. Manufacturers have spent decades perfecting ICE technology, resulting in a vast portfolio of motorcycles and scooters that cater to all price points—from ultra-low-cost commuter bikes to premium high-performance machines. For daily commuters, gig workers, and rural users, ICE two-wheelers remain the most practical and reliable option, particularly in regions where electric charging infrastructure is limited or non-existent. However, the global momentum is clearly shifting toward electric two-wheelers, driven by a combination of environmental concerns, fluctuating fuel prices, government incentives, and growing urbanization. Electric scooters and bikes are especially gaining traction in cities due to their quiet operation, low maintenance, and suitability for short-distance travel. Markets like C

hina and India are leading this transition, supported by policy frameworks, EV subsidies, and the emergence of local startups focused solely on electric mobility. Additionally, advancements in battery technology, such as increased range, faster charging, and swappable battery systems, are helping address early adoption barriers like range anxiety and high initial costs. While the electric segment still accounts for a smaller share of the total market, its year-on-year growth is significantly outpacing that of ICE vehicles, signaling a gradual but definitive shift in the industry.

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