- Brits uncomfortable using public transport so seek alternatives for commuting
- Moped sales leads increased by 219% year on year, whilst scooter sales leads increase by over 180%
- Auto Trader releases most searched for motorbikes, mopeds and scooters
- To find out more on how to buy a bike, moped or scooter, and what you need to know, check out https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bikes
A SHARP INCREASE in searches for bikes, mopeds and scooters has emerged, following the UK Government’s recent announcement on making wearing face coverings mandatory on all public transport from 15th June.
The UK’s prime minister has also continued urging those who can’t work from home to avoid public transport as much as possible, leading to Brits seeking out different ways of getting around, particularly for commuting.
Auto Trader, the UK’s largest digital marketplace for new and used cars, has reported that advert views for mopeds increased by 32% w/c 25th May and 48% w/c 1st June compared to the same periods last year. During these same time frames, the number of leads that consumers sent moped retailers also grew significantly year-on-year by 100% (w/c 25th May) and 219% (w/c 1st June).
Scooters were no different, with advert views jumping up by 41% (w/c 25th May) and 59% (w/c 1st June). Vehicle retailer leads for scooters is where the biggest spikes can be seen; they increased by 209% year-on-year in the week commencing 25th May and 180% w/c 1st June.
There’s also been a growing interest in motorbikes compared to last year. Advert views for motorbikes on Auto Trader increased by 25% w/c 25th May and 32% w/c 1st June.
Not only are Brits researching these alternatives to public transport, but they’re getting serious about using them soon. RideTo, the UK’s number 1 platform for motorcycle training, has seen Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course demand increase by 100% from this time last year.
For those looking to use motorbikes and mopeds specifically for commuting, RideTo has seen the number of riders using the course double since January.
The most searched for motorbikes, mopeds and scooters on Auto Trader are below:
Top ten most searched for motorbikes
Position | Make and model |
1 | Harley-Davidson Sportster |
2 | Harley-Davidson Softail |
3 | Yamaha R1 CBR1000RR |
4 | Honda Fireblade |
5 | Yamaha R6 |
6 | BMW S1000RR |
7 | Kawasaki ZX-6R |
8 | BMW R1200GS |
9 | Honda CBR600F |
10 | Honda CBR600RR |
Top ten most searched for mopeds and scooters
Position | Make and model |
1 | Yamaha X-MAX |
2 | Piaggio Vespa GTS |
3 | Honda PCX125 |
4 | Honda Vision |
5 | Piaggio Vespa LX |
6 | Suzuki UH |
7 | Yamaha TMAX |
8 | Peugeuot Kisbee |
9 | Piaggio Vespa Primavera |
10 | Yamaha Delight |
Auto Trader’s Rory Reid comments: “Searches for mopeds, bikes and scooters have seen a huge spike compared to this time last year, and it’s no coincidence that this has followed Boris Johnson urging the public not to go on buses, trams and trains wherever they can avoid it.
“It seems to be part and parcel of getting into a ‘new normal’. They’re relatively cheaper options for commuting, they can help you get around easily in congested urban areas, and they’re easier to park in tight spots. They can also be a much more viable option than walking or cycling for the majority of people whose commute is longer than five miles.”
Auto Trader is the UK’s largest digital marketplace for new and used cars.