South Africa Two Wheelers Market Overview, 2030

The South African two-wheeler market is currently experiencing significant growth, this upward trend highlights a growing acceptance of two-wheelers as a vital mode of transport. Several key factors are propelling this expansion, including rapid urbanization and resultant traffic congestion, which makes two-wheelers an agile and efficient commuting alternative. The demand for affordable and fuel-efficient personal mobility, coupled with the burgeoning e-commerce sector driving last-mile delivery and the expansion of ride-hailing services, further bolsters market growth. Moreover, potential supportive government initiatives, such as import tax reductions, alongside continuous technological advancements in fuel efficiency and safety, are making two-wheelers increasingly attractive to environmentally conscious and budget-aware consumers. While electric two-wheelers offer long-term savings, their higher upfront cost and the limited existing charging infrastructure act as significant barriers to wider adoption. Furthermore, elevated insurance premiums and the persistent issue of motorcycle theft deter potential buyers, while the volatility of the South African Rand against major currencies impacts the pricing of largely imported two-wheelers, affecting overall affordability and market stability. The competitive landscape is moderately consolidated, featuring a blend of well-established international players such as Honda, BMW Motorrad, KTM, Suzuki, and Yamaha, alongside Indian manufacturers like Bajaj and TVS. These key players are strategically investing in technological innovation, expanding their distribution networks, and forming partnerships to seize opportunities, particularly within the burgeoning electric two-wheeler segment.

According to the research report ""South Africa Two Wheeler Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the South Africa Two Wheeler market is anticipated to grow at more than 5.58% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The South African two-wheeler market is significantly propelled by several key drivers. Increasing urbanization across major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban fuels demand for agile transport solutions to combat rising traffic congestion, making two-wheelers an attractive alternative for quicker commutes and easier parking. This is further amplified by the inherent affordability and fuel efficiency of two-wheelers, positioning them as a cost-effective personal mobility option for a growing middle-class population and budget conscious consumers. The booming e-commerce sector and the expansion of ride-hailing and last mile delivery services also heavily rely on two-wheelers for efficient logistics, driving substantial commercial demand. The South African two-wheeler market presents significant opportunities for growth and innovation. A primary avenue lies in the expansion of electric two-wheelers E2Ws. With rising fuel prices and increasing environmental awareness, E2Ws are poised to capture a substantially larger market share. Furthermore, there's a compelling opportunity for the development of local manufacturing and assembly. Currently reliant on imports, local production could lead to cost efficiencies, job creation, and vehicles specifically tailored to South African conditions, minimizing exposure to currency fluctuations. On-going technological advancements, including enhanced battery performance and the integration of smart features like GPS tracking and anti-theft systems, will significantly boost the appeal, safety, and convenience of two-wheelers, attracting a new generation of tech-savvy riders. Heavy investment in a diverse range of affordable and reliable electric two-wheelers is crucial, alongside addressing range anxiety through advanced battery technology and efficient charging solutions.

The motorcycle segment in South Africa has historically been significant, largely driven by recreational use and for some, as a mode of transport. However, the market has experienced some fluctuations. Leading companies in the South African motorcycle market include international brands like Honda, BMW Motorrad, KTM, Harley Davidson, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki, among others. These manufacturers are continuously investing in technological innovation to drive growth.The scooter segment in South Africa is growing in importance, particularly due to increasing urbanization, traffic congestion, and the need for economical and convenient transport. Scooters are gaining popularity for daily commuting and even for delivery services, especially in major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. AutoTrader lists numerous new and used scooters for sale, from various brands and engine capacities, highlighting an active market. Brands like SYM, Suzuki, Honda, and Vespa are visible in the market, offering a range of models. The ease of riding with automatic transmissions and fuel efficiency makes them attractive for urban mobility. The Electric Two-Wheeler market in South Africa is a nascent but rapidly expanding segment. The moped segment in South Africa is often considered alongside scooters, particularly when discussing smaller capacity, often geared towards economical commuting. While specific detailed data solely for mopeds distinct from scooters can be limited, the trend suggests that lighter, more accessible two-wheelers are gaining traction for cost-effective daily transport. Many of the scooter offerings, especially those with smaller engine capacities or electric variants, can fall into the moped classification. Local brands like Big Boy and GoMoto offer super-affordable and economical scooters that cater to the low-cost commuting and delivery market, aligning with the utility aspect of mopeds.

The South African two-wheeler market, while showing overall growth, presents a distinct landscape when analyzed by engine capacity, reflecting varied consumer needs ranging from economical commuting to leisure and high-performance riding. Historically, market data has sometimes grouped up to 125cc as a category. While larger capacity two-wheelers dominate overall market share in South Africa, engine capacities above 500cc which would encompass this segment along with the >801cc category have dominated the South African motorcycle market in terms of market share, followed by the 251cc-500cc segment. This indicates a strong preference for larger, more powerful machines among motorcycle enthusiasts. > 801 CC segment represents the high-end of the two-wheeler market, almost exclusively comprising powerful motorcycles. The < 150 CC segment overwhelmingly dominates the commuter market, driven by its affordability, exceptional fuel efficiency, and maneuverability for daily urban travel and commercial delivery fleets. Brands like Bajaj, TVS, and Honda are strong contenders here. Stepping up, the 151 - 400 CC segment is gaining popularity, offering a good balance of power, efficiency, and highway capability for longer commutes and light touring, appealing to riders seeking more versatility. For enthusiasts and recreational users, the 401 - 800 CC segment is growing, providing enhanced power and comfort for extended journeys, with BMW Motorrad and KTM being key players. The > 801 CC category represents the premium and luxury end, a niche but high-value market comprising large-capacity touring and high-performance bikes, driven by brand prestige and a passion for motorcycling, with brands like Harley-Davidson and Ducati leading.

The South African two-wheeler market is currently characterized by a clear dominance of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, the established affordability of ICE two-wheelers, which present a lower initial purchase cost compared to their electric counterparts, making them accessible to a broader consumer base. Furthermore, South Africa benefits from a well-developed and extensive infrastructure for conventional fuel, with petrol stations readily available across urban, peri-urban, and even rural areas, providing riders with convenience and alleviating range concerns. The inherent familiarity with ICE technology, coupled with robust existing networks for maintenance, spare parts, and skilled technicians, instills trust and eases the ownership experience for consumers. These traditional petrol-powered two-wheelers have also proven their reliability and performance across South Africa's diverse terrains and weather conditions over many years. However, despite this current dominance, the ICE segment is poised for a gradual decline in its market share. This anticipated shift is a direct consequence of rising fuel prices, growing environmental concerns, and the proactive evolution of government policies aimed at promoting sustainable transport solutions. In stark contrast to the ICE segment's projected decline, the Electric Two-Wheeler (E2W) segment is experiencing a remarkable and rapid surge in South Africa. The electrification rate for two-wheelers has seen a significant increase in recent years, demonstrating a clear trajectory towards accelerated adoption. The increasing availability of diverse E2W models from both established international brands and local players such as EWIZZ and EV Africa is also expanding consumer choice and making electric mobility more accessible across various applications, from urban commuting to last-mile delivery. While challenges like the nascent public charging infrastructure and the comparatively higher upfront cost still exist, ongoing investments in expanding charging networks like GridCars and a consistent decline in battery prices are gradually mitigating these barriers, solidifying the E2W segment's position as the future of two-wheeler mobility in South Africa.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Two Wheelers Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type
• Motorcycle
• Scooters
• Electric Two-Wheeler
• Mopeds

By Engine Capacity
• <150 CC
• 151 -400 CC
• 401- 800CC
• > 801 CC

By Price
• ICE
• Electric Show more