Women Bikers Share Top Reasons For Riding And What Needs To Change
Why do you ride?
“Empowerment”
“To bond with friends and build community”
“Love the open road”
These are a few of the top responses we were given from female riders who have a passion for biking and a new sense of belonging in the motorcycling community.
More women are riding than ever before—approximately 20% of riders on the road are female—and the number has continued to grow in the last few years. Cycle Trader recently held an online survey with over 6,000 responses from female riders and shoppers on our marketplace for greater insight behind the reasons women ride.
While female riders indicate biking has been positive for their lifestyle and connecting with fellow enthusiasts, the responses also address greater concerns and challenges females face in the world of motorcycling, including discrimination and finding the right size bike and gear. Here’s an overview of the results, what still needs to improve to make riding more inclusive, and marketplace trends that reflect more changes happening within the industry.
A New Age
Cycle Trader’s Female Rider survey collected answers from 6,045 participants, the majority of which (over 80%) fit within the age range of 25–44. A younger audience was eager to give their feedback, as 41% of the participants belong to the 25–34 age group. This is also worth noting since the same survey indicated that 83% of shoppers purchased their first motorcycle in their 20s. More women riders are getting out on the road and buying beginner bikes, shopping for the motorcycle that fits their size and lifestyle, whether that’s for daily commutes or casual cruising.
Bike Types And Riding Styles
Previously, when Cycle Trader conducted a female riders survey in 2022, cruiser motorcycles were leading the pack as the most popular style of bike among respondents, but the answers have changed and diversified with different motorcycles. While our recent survey still had cruisers as the favorite, answers were spread across the board and about even, with female riders saying they are getting around on standard, sport, touring, trike, and adventure bikes too. The biggest surprise might come with the advent of electric motorcycles, with 10% of female bikers saying this is the type of motorcycle they are riding, which only represented less than 1% of the responses from our survey two years ago.
Women riders are using motorcycles more and more for daily riding and commuting, in fact, over 2,400 participants stated these were the two main reasons for using their motorcycle. Seeing that more women riders use their bikes to get around every day, OEMs and dealers have an opportunity to broaden the market and reach female riders looking to purchase motorcycles for these primary purposes.
Challenges
We asked female bikers what aspect is the most difficult when finding the right motorcycle, and it comes down to bike size. Respondents said that shopping issues arise with motorcycle models on the market due to the overall bike height, seat height, distance to the handlebars, and the weight. As a solution, more riders (52%) said they were willing to customize their bike to fit them rather than extend their search on the market.
Again, this presents an opportunity for OEMs to rethink designs to reach a fifth of the motorcycle consumer base and create bikes specifically for female riders based on size, height, and weight. As the number continues to grow as it has in the last decade, and with a younger age group of riders considering their first vehicle purchase, the market could diversify and expand based on demand. Surveys that gather valuable feedback, remaining outspoken, consumer habits, and participating in the biking community can all help change common attitudes and misconceptions surrounding the needs of motorcycle riders.
The Need For Change
So, how can the world of motorcycling improve and create an environment that’s more inclusive for female riders? Our survey responses indicate there are a number of leading issues women face as motorcyclists, including finding the right gear (29%) and a bike that fits the rider’s needs (25%). Alarmingly, finding community and facing discrimination are two major concerns for female riders and were among our answers. Motorcycle clubs help unify riders who can connect and share their common bond for riding, all while supporting one another on the road and at social gatherings. Aside from camaraderie and community involvement for a stronger female presence within the industry, riders find empowerment through training and safety courses to improve skills and promote responsibility on the road. This could help reshape the landscape for greater representation on the consumer market and beyond.
The good news is that more female riders are discovering that motorcycling is rewarding and can suit different lifestyles. There’s still a need to dispel misbeliefs surrounding modern motorcyclists and opportunities for the market to become more inclusive, and things can improve as female riders voice their beliefs to influence a change.
Beginner rider or seasoned pro, start your motorcycling shopping experience today. Visit CycleTrader.com for a nationwide selection of new and pre-owned motorcycles for sale from dealers and private sellers.
Ryan Miller
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