RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is witnessing significant growth in its motorcycle market, with new registrations jumping to over 63,800 in one year, representing a 98 percent increase, according to data obtained by the Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper from the General Authority for Statistics.
Experts who spoke to Al-Eqtisadiah said the data highlights investment opportunities extending beyond delivery services to include maintenance, spare parts, and the development of technological applications for managing motorcycle fleets.
The data showed that the private sector accounted for 93.4 percent of newly registered motorcycles in 2024, with approximately 59,600 units registered to companies, compared with 3,726 motorcycles registered to individuals, representing 5.84 percent of the total.
This reflects the growing role of the private sector in logistics, delivery, and e-commerce services, which has increased demand for motorcycles as a low-cost and highly efficient mode of urban transportation.
The Riyadh region topped Saudi regions in the number of newly registered motorcycles in 2024, with around 25,000 units. It was followed by the Makkah region with 20,000 motorcycles and the Eastern Province with approximately 15,000. The Al-Baha region recorded the lowest figure, with only 14 motorcycles registered.
Regarding individual ownership, more than 3,418 motorcycles were registered in the names of Saudis in 2024, compared with approximately 308 registered to foreigners.
Saudi women enter the motorcycle market
Statistical data also showed growing participation by Saudi women in motorcycle ownership, with 114 motorcycles registered in their names in 2024, representing about 3.3 percent of motorcycles registered to Saudi nationals.
Registration by age group
By age group, individuals aged 25–29 registered approximately 551 motorcycles, followed by 867 registrations among those aged 30–34 and about 841 among the 35–39 age group. Registrations totaled approximately 616 for the 40–44 age group and 82 for individuals aged over 60.
Transformations in mobility patterns, investment opportunities
Two transportation and logistics specialists said the sharp increase in motorcycle registrations reflects shifting mobility patterns driven by smart-city expansion and rapid e-commerce growth. They expect demand to remain strong, supporting further expansion of the light transportation market in Saudi Arabia in the coming years.
Nashmi Al-Harbi, a logistics specialist, said the rapid growth in the motorcycle market represents a strategic shift in the logistics and e-commerce sectors. He noted that the private sector’s share of more than 93 percent of new registrations highlights companies’ adoption of more flexible and efficient operating models. Motorcycles, he added, provide an ideal solution for deliveries in congested cities by reducing costs and improving response times.
He added that the entry of Saudi women into the sector, although still limited, opens the door to innovative business models aligned with ongoing social changes.
Mohammed Al-Harbi, an investor in the motorcycle buying and selling sector, said increased participation by Saudi women in motorcycle ownership is often linked to recreational and sporting use.
He added that promising investment opportunities extend beyond delivery services to maintenance, safety accessories, and technological applications for fleet management, which could further enhance the sector’s attractiveness in the coming years.
