New analysis of Department for Transport and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency data has found that motorbike numbers have increased by 10.51% since 2015.
It also revealed the regions that have seen the largest jump in figures, highlighting where the two-wheelers are seeing the biggest boom in popularity.
The second quarter of 2024 saw more than 1.4 million bikes licensed across the UK, compared to 1.2 million in the same period in 2015. Go.Compare motorbike insurance reviewed the figures by UK region to uncover which areas have seen the biggest change.
According to the research, Wales has seen the biggest jump in motorbikes from 2015 to 2024. The insurance comparison site tracked a huge 24.7% increase during this period – the largest of any UK region.
Northern Ireland had the second-largest rise, increasing by 20.6%. Scotland, the South West, and the East Midlands make up the rest of the top five regions – all with increases above the UK average over 10 years.
London is the only region that saw a decrease in the number of motorbikes between 2015 and 2024, falling by 6.8% across the decade.
Other regions that have increased at a slower rate include the North East (8.3%), Yorkshire and the Humber (8.2%) and the North West (4.8%).
Tom Banks, motoring expert at Go.Compare, said, “Location is one of several factors that can influence your motorbike insurance premiums. If there’s a rise in the number of riders in your area, or across the country, that could lead to more accidents, thefts or claims, which might impact what you pay for cover.
“Understanding the wider landscape in your region can give you a clearer picture of your policy price. If you’re worried about rising insurance costs, there are steps you can take to try and reduce them. Consider paying annually to save on interest charges, reducing your annual mileage, avoiding modified styles when choosing a bike or opting for a smaller model – these can all affect premiums.
“And always shop around. Your current insurer might not be offering the right deal for you, so when it’s time to renew, don’t forget to compare quotes from multiple providers to find a policy that works best.”
