Two-Wheeler Sales Cross 10 Million in H1 FY2026; Scooters Drive Growth While Bikes Fall
India’s two-wheeler market has surpassed the 10 million unit mark in the first half of FY2026, signalling resilience despite mixed segment performance. Total wholesales reached approximately 10.24 million units between April and September 2025, up 0.7 % year-on-year. The key driver of this growth was the scooters segment, which posted record wholesales of about 3.72 million units, while motorcycle sales declined by 2 % to roughly 6.27 million units and mopeds fell by 7 %. Autocar Pro
The strong scooter performance reflects evolving urban mobility patterns and rising demand for electric and fuel-efficient models. September alone saw monthly scooter sales hit 733,391 units, the highest on record, putting the segment on track to exceed 7 million units for the full fiscal. Autocar Pro
By contrast, the motorcycle market is facing headwinds. Major manufacturers reported declines: Hero MotoCorp declined 4 %, Honda 4 %, and Bajaj Auto 8 % for the half-year period. Only three motorcycle brands, TVS, Royal Enfield, and India Kawasaki, posted growth, with Royal Enfield up 27 % year-on-year.
The diverging performance across vehicle types suggests the two-wheeler industry is being reshaped by consumer preferences, urbanisation trends, and e-mobility adoption. For manufacturers and suppliers, adapting product-mix, production strategies, and aftermarket support will be crucial.
Editor’s View
For tyre makers and aftermarket suppliers, the market dynamics in the two-wheeler segment deserve close attention. The superior performance of scooters means demand for scooter-specific tyres, often with different size profiles, compound requirements, and replacement cycles compared to motorcycles, is likely to rise. At the same time, the decline in motorcycle sales suggests a shifting focus in inventory and development priorities. Companies that align tyre product strategies with the rising scooter volumes and evolving electric two-wheeler ecosystem may gain a competitive edge.
