Europe Motorcycle Gear Market

Market Overview

The European Motorcycle Gear Market revenue was valued at USD 3.91 billion in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 6.02 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.95% during the forecast period (2024–2032).

Motorcycle gear refers to protective gear or clothing material that is designed to avoid fatal injuries while riding a two-wheeler. This gear protects the rider and minimalizes any kind of causalities that could happen while riding. Therefore, assuring the safety, the security of the rider along with providing them with a better ride experience. Additionally, these gears also come in handy and can be utilized to protect the rider in different weather conditions like rain, snow, and cold or wind. The Europe motorcycle gear market report includes insights into the various products offered that are served by the manufacturers of motorcycle gear in the European market and their uses across various end-user groups.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Increasing Disposable Income of the Urban Population, Coupled with the Rising Trend of Traveling

In Europe, the motorcycle gear market is experiencing significant dynamics influenced by several key factors. One prominent driver is the increasing disposable income among the urban population. As personal incomes rise across European cities, individuals have more spending power to invest in leisure activities such as motorcycling. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger demographics and enthusiasts who view motorcycling as both a hobby and a lifestyle choice. Additionally, the rising trend of traveling within Europe is shaping the market dynamics of motorcycle gear. Many individuals and groups are opting for motorcycle trips as a preferred mode of travel, driven by the desire for adventure, exploration, and the freedom that motorcycling offers on scenic routes across Europe. This trend has fueled demand for high-quality motorcycle gear that enhances comfort, safety, and style during long-distance journeys.

In 2022, the household saving rate was 12.7 % in the EU and 13.7 % in the euro area. The EU's household investment rate was 10.0 % in 2022. The highest rates among the Member States were 15.2 % in Cyprus and 13.9 % in Luxembourg. The travel and tourism sector in Europe drove the motorcycle market, thereby creating substantial demand for the protective gear market. Europe is known for tourism as it accounts for 50% of the world’s total tourist arrivals and is also the most visited region in the world, according to UNWTO.

Alarming Rate of Accidents Encouraging Market Growth 

In light of the increasing accidents taking place at an alarming rate, more and more riders have become safety conscious. Consumers are now ready to pay and spend more on motorcycle protective gear. Motorcycle accidents are particularly damaging as by nature, it is far less crashworthy than closed vehicles. The motorbikes are less stable than four-wheel vehicles. The function of motorcycles is such that operating it requires a different combination of physical and mental skills than those used in driving four-wheel vehicles. Also, Motorcyclists are far more vulnerable to the hazards of weather and road conditions than those driving closed vehicles and cars.

In a survey, it was found that a rider on a motorcycle is always thrown from his bike in a serious collision. Furthermore, it is extremely common for the motorcyclist to come into contact with cement dividers, road barriers, or other vehicles. According to the statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 72.3 motorcyclists are killed per 100,000 autos, and there exist 35 times more likely chances of death of motorcyclist in an auto accident.  The federal government estimates that in the year 2017, the number of deaths on motorcycles was almost 27 times more than that of the number of cars considering per mile traveled. The number of accidents and deaths is highly linked with the safety and precautions taken. Hence, adopting more and more safety measures and spending heftily on the motorcycle protective gear like helmets are driving the market growth fiercely.

Regional Analysis

Furthermore, the rising number of motorcycle racing activities in Europe has additionally led to providing massive opportunities for protective gear market players. Last year in 2019, Honda declared that it would participate in motorcycle motorsports world championship racing to be held in 2020 and the Dakar Rally 2020.  Jerez de la Frontera, in Cádiz, southern Spain, is going to host a unique week of sport.  It is going to horde two consecutive weekends. On the first weekend, the traditional Spanish Grand Prix, and on the second weekend, the new Andalusian Grand Prix.

Several racing activities in Europe are urging more participation from across the globe, thereby leading to more demand for motorcycles. This will ultimately create opportunities for the protective gears market.

Segmental Analysis

Importance of Wearing Helmet

European regulations often mandate the use of helmets that meet stringent safety standards (such as ECE 22.05) to protect riders from potential head trauma, concussions, or even fatalities. Moreover, helmets play a crucial role in enhancing rider comfort and reducing fatigue during long rides by providing protection from wind, weather elements, and debris. They also contribute to overall rider confidence and focus, allowing for better concentration on the road and surroundings.

In the context of the motorcycle gear market in Europe, the emphasis on helmet safety is reflected in the availability of a wide range of high-quality helmets that combine advanced materials, aerodynamic designs, and ventilation systems to ensure optimal protection without compromising on comfort or style. Manufacturers continually innovate to improve helmet safety features, such as improved impact absorption and visibility enhancements, to meet the diverse needs of riders across different riding conditions and preferences. Ultimately, wearing helmets is not only a legal requirement in many European countries but also a fundamental practice endorsed by safety advocates, manufacturers, and riders alike to promote responsible riding and minimize the risks associated with motorcycling.

In the EU, 37% of all road deaths occur on urban roads. Among the countries that monitor levels of speed compliance on urban roads countrywide, between 35% and 75% of vehicle speed observations are higher than the legal speed. There has been a mixed progress in reducing mean speeds on urban roads in countries that could provide data. 55% of all road deaths in the EU occur on rural non-motorway roads. There has been an overall lack of progress in reducing mean speeds on rural roads in the countries that could provide data. Standard speed limits on rural non-motorway roads vary across EU Member States. Most of the countries with a significantly lower road mortality rate than the EU average of 50 deaths per million inhabitants apply a 70 km/h or 80 standard speed limit on rural roads. Among the countries monitoring speed on rural non-motorway roads, between 9% to 63% of vehicle speed observations are higher than the speed limit. On average, 8% of all road deaths in the EU occur on motorways. In countries providing data concerning speeds on motorways, progress in terms of annual change in average speed on motorways is mixed. Between 23% and 59% of observed vehicle speeds on motorways are higher than the speed limit.

Product Innovation and Product Line Extension Leading to Premiumization

Technology has advanced to an extent where every machine can be improvised and made more efficient. Let alone getting several product innovations in protective gear. Today more than ever, there is an urgent need for innovating products that are more secure, safe, and reliable for motorcyclists. With more companies venturing into premium motorcycles, there is a huge portfolio of product lines that have been introduced in the past few years. There are several new innovations that have come up pertaining to the safety of motorcyclists in terms of protective gears. To start with, helmets are one of the oldest equipment of protective motorcycle gear, but recent developments in technology have led to overall effectiveness. Several other features, like the built-in cameras and GPS tracking systems, have been incorporated into the latest system. This has proven to be extremely effective in both eliminating blind spots and providing quality rear views.

Another important feature and development in the protective gear is the LED lighting. The biggest safety concern that has afflicted the motorcyclists is the visibility of other motorcyclists on the highway, which results in several accidents and collisions. The LED lighting considerably improves visibility and gives better clarity in terms of vision. The incorporation of new technologies in protective gears has created lucrative opportunities for market players.

Recent Developments

• In December 2023, BMW Motorrad presented the new BMW Motorrad Clothing Collection 2024. BMW Motorrad offers a comprehensive range of rider equipment. The new BMW Motorrad Clothing Collection 2024 offers a total of 28 new products in the areas of PluggedToLife, RideAndShare, SpiritOfGS, NeverStopChallenging and Soulfuel.
• In June 2022, Gianni Falco introduced the Starboy 3, a fresh pair of riding sneakers featuring a traditional lace-up closure and lightweight design.
• In May 2021, Klim unveiled its latest off-road apparel, showcasing new colors for the XC Lite and Dakar series, along with updates to the Mojave gear lineup.