Automotive industry body FCAI has called for nationally consistent motorcycle licensing regulations for motorcyclists and scooter riders in Australia, as sales for road-going models continue to rise in 2022.
The FCAI has called for more consistent licensing regulations in light of high fuel costs, congestion, and the rising interest in two-wheeled transport locally.
As it stands, the requirements for becoming a licensed rider vary dramatically from state to state, with differing testing protocols and road rules depending on where you are in the country.
“Differences in motorcycle and scooter license regulations between states and territories are confusing for consumers and manufacturers alike,” FCAI public affairs manager Doug Wyllie told INFO MOTO.
Mr Wyllie also noted the role that motorcycles and scooters play in reducing congestion and lowering emissions.
“States and territories need to be viewing motorcycles and scooters as a key tool in reducing congestion and lowering CO2 emissions. Complicated and vastly different licensing regulations between jurisdictions make it difficult for consumers who are wanting to move to two wheel transport.”
“Regardless of which state and territory you reside in, Australian riders deserve to be treated the same, and have the same regulatory access to market offerings.
“We are asking states and territories to work constructively to bring nationally consistent licensing rules to Australia’s roads.”
The Australian motorcycle industry has recorded significant growth over the last two years, helped partly by changing consumer habits during the Covid-19 pandemic and its associated travel restrictions.
In 2021, more than 123,530 motorcycle, scooter and off-road vehicles (OHVs) found new homes in Australia – which translated to a 13.4 per cent increase compared to 2020 – for the second consecutive year of major market growth.
New data published today shows that the trend is continuing in 2022, with road-bike sales up 12 per cent in the first quarter, compared to the first three months of 2021. Similarly, scooter sales show an increase of 15 per cent, which may be attributed in part to the prevalent food delivery services operating in urban areas.
The figures published by the FCAI appear to indicate a lull in sales of dirt bikes and side-by-side/ATV models (OHVs), following massive gains in the previous two years.
Specifically, off-road motorcycles were down 17.2 per cent in the first quarter of 2022, while the OHV market dropped by 40 per cent.
INFO MOTO has been told of wide-ranging supply constraints across all segments of the motorcycle industry, causing long wait times and reduced variety for consumers. It is possible these supply issues have contributed to the sales drop in some sectors.
“Motorcycles, scooters and OHVs are a crucial element in the lives of many Australians, be it on the road or for recreation.” said FCAI chief executive Tony Weber in a media release.
“In a period of rising fuel costs and increased congestion, now is the time for states and territories to implement nationally consistent licensing regulations for motorcycles and scooters.
“Enabling more motorists to move to motorcycles and scooters is a key tool in helping to lower the cost of living and reducing the amount of time road users spend in traffic.”
*The FCAI’s motorcycle sales figures do not include data from the likes of Royal Enfield, MV Agusta and CFMOTO (among others), which choose not to disclose sales information to the public.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
