The British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) has welcomed the latest figures released by the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), which show continued growth in new motorcycle registrations during June 2026 and provide further evidence that motorcycling remains an increasingly attractive transport and leisure choice for people across the UK.

According to the latest MCIA data, the overall L-Category market grew by 13% in June compared with the same month last year, with year-to-date registrations now standing 15.2% ahead of 2025. Motorcycle registrations increased by an impressive 14.5%, while scooter registrations also recorded healthy growth of 6.8%.

These figures are particularly encouraging following what was, for many manufacturers and dealers, a relatively flat and cautious market throughout much of 2025. Despite ongoing economic pressures and the rising cost of living, riders are clearly continuing to invest in motorcycling, whether as an affordable transport solution, a practical commuting option or simply for the enjoyment and freedom that two wheels provide.

Among the standout performers are Adventure Bikes, which saw registrations rise by 20.2% in June and nearly 24% year-to-date. This comes as little surprise given the continued popularity of the adventure riding sector and follows another hugely successful Adventure Bike Rider (ABR) Festival, attended by thousands of enthusiasts last month, including representatives from the BMF. The festival once again demonstrated the strength of the adventure motorcycling sector and the growing appeal of motorcycles capable of both touring and exploration.

Modern Classic motorcycles also enjoyed a strong month, recording growth of 23.1%, while Road Sports bikes increased by 22.4%. These figures reflect the broad appeal of motorcycling, with riders continuing to be drawn to everything from heritage-inspired machines to high-performance sports bikes.

While the overall picture is positive, some areas of the market continue to face challenges. Electric motorcycles and scooters remain a relatively small part of the UK market and their growth has been slower than many predicted. This should prompt serious questions about the level of Government support being provided to encourage riders to make the switch.

The recent withdrawal of the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant has sent a contradictory message at a time when government policymakers are seeking to reduce transport emissions. If Government is serious about encouraging the uptake of electric powered light vehicles, it must recognise that motorcycles and scooters offer significant environmental and congestion-reduction benefits that support wider government targets on future mobility and Net Zero. Removing financial incentives while expecting consumers to absorb higher purchase costs is unlikely to accelerate adoption.

Motorcycles, scooters and other powered light vehicles have a vital role to play in the UK’s future transport mix. They provide affordable mobility, reduce congestion, require less road and parking space and can contribute to lower transport emissions when properly supported through government policy and infrastructure.

Jim Freeman, Chair of the BMF said: “The latest bike registration figures released by MCIA are a welcome indication that confidence is returning to the motorcycle sector. With growing demand across key motorcycle categories and increasing recognition of the benefits motorcycling brings to society, the outlook for the remainder of 2026 appears considerably brighter than many had predicted just twelve months ago.
The Government now needs to step up and fully support motorcycling in both its policy and transport delivery, to ensure that the future of motorcycling in the UK remains bright.”

Source: Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) June 2026 New Vehicle Registration Statistics.

Written by Paul Morgan CBE

Top image courtesy of David Abrams – iStock

In article image courtesy of MCIA

Note:

MCIA is the body that represents the UK L-Category vehicle industry. L-Category vehicles can be defined as motorised lightweight scooters, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles, typically with zero or low-emission power.

Within regulation they are defined as ‘L-Category’ vehicles (Regulation 168/2013) and are a great solution to the congestion and air quality challenges we all face. They are also sometimes referred to as powered light vehicles (PLV).

For more information about the work of MCIA and L-Category vehicles, or to interview MCIA’s CEO, Tony Campbell, please contact info@MCIA.co.uk