2026 H1 'Big Five' market registrations +16.8% with Germany +27.6%
The latest data released by ACEM (the Brussels based International Motorcycle Industry Trade Association) show new motorcycle registrations in the 'Big Five' of Europe's largest markets reaching 636,490 units during the first six months of 2026.
This represents an increase of approximately +16.8% compared to 2025 (545,127 units) as statistical reporting continues to unwind from the Q4 2024 statistical distortions of the Euro 5+ pre-registration impacts.
Motorcycle registration volumes increased in Germany (114,849 units, +27.6% year-on-year), in Spain (141,101 units, +23.6%), UK (54,962 units, +15.8%), in Italy (220,776 units, +13.2%) and France (104,802 units, +6.4%).
During this same period, moped registrations reached a total volume of 72,076 units in the six European moped markets monitored by ACEM. This registration volume represents an increase of +4.7% in comparison to last year (68,814 units). Mopeds volumes increased in Italy (7,819 units, +18.2%), in Germany (8,658 units, +9.3%), in Spain (6,274, 9.1%), in Belgium (14,475 units, +8.8%) and France (22,365 units +3.5%) but decreased in The Netherlands (12,485 units, -5.4%).
The data was released at the end of July 2026, and, commenting on the current situation of the sector, Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said that "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 demand 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 now see how the trend holds through the second half of the year before drawing conclusions about sustained market momentum."
