Worldwide sales of e-motorcycles will grow from 1.2 million vehicles annually in 2014 to 1.4 million in 2023, while sales of e-scooters will grow from 4.1 million to 4.6 million, says a new research from Navigant Research.
The market for power two-wheel (PTW) vehicles, which includes electric motorcycles (e-motorcycles) and electric scooters (e-scooters), has grown slowly in recent years.
Navigant Research forecasts that sales of e-motorcycles and e-scooters in these two regions will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 30 percent through 2023.
Sales volumes in the next couple of years are likely to remain low, due to continued high costs for components and low levels of demand. However, the market is poised to grow after 2015 as consumer markets continue to expand, new competitors enter the market, and suppliers increase capabilities, the research said.
“Consumers are seeking refuge from higher gasoline prices, electric two-wheel vehicles are growing more mature, and cities are becoming increasingly congested with traffic,” said John Gartner, research director with Navigant Research. “All of these factors will contribute to growing demand for power two-wheel vehicles — particularly high-powered e-motorcycles.”
The market for e-motorcycles and e-scooters is led by China, where the majority of these vehicles are sold. However, policies limiting urban traffic in China indicate reduced sales in that country.
E-motorcycle manufacturers in North America and Europe will address the market challenges by improving product quality and expanding their distribution channels, the report said.