Between paid parking, mandatory technical inspections, and inclement weather, sales of two-wheelers are down in Île-de-France, and more particularly in Paris, in the first half of 2024.
A typically Parisian means of transport that is no longer popular. Sales of motorized two-wheelers, particularly scooters and motorcycles, have drastically decreased in the first half of the year in Île-de-France, and more particularly in Paris. A 20% drop reported by a study by the insurance company Solly Azar.
Registrations of scooters and motorcycles have recorded a sharp decline in the region over this period. In detail, the sale of mopeds has decreased by 19% over the first six months of this year compared to 2023, and by 14% for electric two-wheelers.
Up to 35% off
At some dealerships, this drop in sales is even more marked. In the 5th arrondissement, the Boulmich’Moto brand has managed to “maintain (its) figures” on the sale of large engines. On the other hand, on 125cc scooters, normally the “reference” model for this type of vehicle, the dealership is showing a clear drop in sales.
“We can talk about a 30-35% drop,” said Didier Baehr, manager of the dealership, speaking to BFM Paris Île-de-France.
A difficult result which can be explained in part by the paid parking two-wheelers for two years in the capital. But also by the traffic difficulties in the city and the weather in 2024, which was “particular”, explains Philippe Saby, general manager Solly Azar and co-author of the study.
“In Paris, we have a drop that is greater than in the Île-de-France region. There are so many alternatives to thermal two-wheelers which, in addition, now have to be paid for when you park,” he adds.
Economic benefits in the city
However, two-wheeler users continue to emphasize the economic advantage of this means of transport compared to the traditional car.
“It’s worth it, the motorized two-wheeler,” says Jean-Marc Belotti, coordinator of the Fédération des motards en colère in Paris and the inner suburbs. “We save a lot of time, it’s much cheaper, we consume much less. It’s really better to switch to a motorized two-wheeler, when we can, rather than driving in a big city.”
According to the Solly Azar study, the technical inspection, made mandatory for two-wheelers since April, also plays a role in the drop in sales. On the other hand, the market for large engines is booming in the region.
Chloé Berthod, Sarah Belien with Laurène Rocheteau
