2023 saw strong growth of 17.9% in registrations of conventional motorcycles. The positive trend applied to both scooters (+20.6%) and motorbikes (+14.8%). But the real explosion is taking place in electric bicycles, which grew by 72% compared to 2019. Of the more than 1.7 million bicycles sold in 2022, 337,000 were electric (19 per cent of all sales). In the eyes of consumers e-bikes are perceived as an environmentally friendly solution, with 70% of people interviewed saying they were the solution to pollution and smog.

They are also more convenient for urban trips – a factor for 54% of Italians. Despite growing interest, the high purchase price is a significant obstacle for potential buyers, but innovative financial solutions such as Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) and Long-Term Rental (LTR) are increasingly popular ways of mitigating this problem. According to data, BNPL was already used in 20% of total sales in 2023, with considerable potential to be used even more widely. Interest in electric two-wheelers is driven by environmental awareness (67% of consumers) and their practicality in urban settings (62%). Preferences vary between generations, with e-bikes finding favour with 79% of Boomers, electric scooters appealing to Gen Z (75%), and motorbikes topping the preferences of Millennials (64%).

In conclusion, the evolution of the two-wheeler market is tangible evidence of the growing interest in sustainable mobility solutions. Although obstacles such as high prices persist, financial innovations are emerging as a key ally in making electric vehicles accessible to a growing number of consumers. Italy is embracing the mobility challenges of the future, leading the change towards more sustainable modes of transport in our ever-changing cities.