Rapid increase in the number of motorcycles: One in every 5 vehicles is a motorcycle

As access to automobiles becomes increasingly difficult, demand for the more accessible motorcycle has accelerated. While motorcycle sales have broken all-time records, automobile sales have remained stagnant. The gap between the two modes of transport is closing rapidly.

As the rise in fuel prices has led automobile users to seek alternatives, the motorcycle market, which has grown with demand from couriers, has broken all-time sales records. Despite the record in motorcycles, the automobile market has remained stagnant this year, significantly narrowing the gap between the two individual modes of transport.

CONTINUOUS INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF MOTORCYCLES

While the number of motorcycles in traffic exceeded 1 million for the first time in 2000, this number reached 3 million 331 thousand 326 in 2019. 

In 2020, with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of motorcycles increased by 181 thousand 250 to 3 million 512 thousand 576. This number rose to 3 million 744 thousand 370 in 2021, 4 million 141 thousand 914 in 2022, and 5 million 79 thousand 396 in 2023. 

As of the end of July this year, the number of motorcycles increased by 685 thousand 150 compared to the end of last year, reaching 5 million 764 thousand 546.

REASONS FOR THE INCREASE IN MOTORCYCLE USE

The most important factor in the spread of motorcycles is economic contraction

The fact that Turkey has the lowest number of automobiles per capita among 38 European countries clearly demonstrates this problem. 51% of these automobiles are 10 years old or older. The rate of vehicles over 20 years old is 27%. People are forced to use older cars due to the poor economy.

People have turned to "more fuel-efficient" vehicles.

Rising fuel costs have caused motorcycles to stand out as a more attractive option, especially for urban transportation. Motorcycles are preferred as both an economical and practical transportation alternative due to their low fuel consumption. Especially in short distances and areas with traffic congestion, motorcycles save drivers time and provide fuel savings.

Increase in the number of couriers

A significant increase in the number of motorcycle couriers has been observed across Turkey recently. The rise in fuel prices created a need to reduce costs, especially in urban transportation. This situation led to the preference for more economical and fuel-efficient motorcycle couriers. Since motorcycle couriers offer the advantage of both low fuel consumption and the ability to move faster in traffic congestion, they have caused an increase in demand in this field.

With the pandemic period, the explosion in online shopping led to demand for delivery services in a wide range from restaurants to markets. This demand led to a significant increase in the number of motorcycle couriers.

This increase also brings some challenges in the courier sector. While heavy traffic and shorter delivery times increase the workload of couriers, safety and compliance with traffic rules also stand out as an important issue. City administrations are considering taking more measures regarding traffic regulations and safety precautions.

News Source: 12punto