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Motorcycles, mopeds and scooters in Norway – statistics, development and values

Writer: Magne Bjella
Magne Bjella
11 hours ago
6 min read

Two wheels – an important part of Norwegian transportation and leisure


Motorcycles, mopeds and scooters have been a natural part of Norwegian transport and leisure life for decades. For some, they are a practical means of transport to work and school, while for others they represent freedom, a desire to travel and a passion that lasts a lifetime. Although they make up a far smaller part of the vehicle fleet than passenger cars, they represent significant private investments and great value for Norwegian households.



Published: Status Norway



Original watercolor depicting a wide variety of motorcycles, mopeds and scooters in Norway, including adventure bikes, sports bikes, classic motorcycles, modern scooters and traditional mopeds in a Norwegian fjord landscape. The illustration is used in Status Norway to visualize the development of Norwegian mobility, leisure riding, transportation, motorcycle culture and private ownership through several generations.


Registered motorcycles, mopeds and scooters


At the end of 2025, the following vehicles were registered in Norway:

Vehicle type

Number

Heavy motorcycles

152,012

Light motorcycles

24,950

Mopeds

123,562

Total

300,524




This means that there are over 300,000 registered motorcycles and mopeds on Norwegian roads. Although the passenger car dominates the transport picture, the figures show that two-wheelers still play an important role – both as a means of transport and as a leisure vehicle.


Watercolor of a modern adventure motorcycle parked by a Norwegian fjord with high mountains, forests and small villages in the background. The illustration symbolizes wanderlust, touring, outdoor life and motorcycle culture in Norway, and is used in Status Norway about mobility, leisure and private value creation.

Developments over the last five years

Developments since 2020 show that the different vehicle types have had different developments.


Vehicle type

2020

2025

Change

Heavy motorcycles

165,733

152,012

−8.3%

Light motorcycles

30,163

24,950

−17.3%

Mopeds

156,347

123,562

−21.0%






While the number of heavy motorcycles has declined somewhat over the past five years, the decline is even more pronounced for light motorcycles and mopeds. This may be due, among other things, to changing transportation habits, urbanization, increased use of public transportation, and more young people choosing other forms of transportation than before.


The change from 2024 to 2025

If we look only at the last year, the development is far more stable.


Vehicle type

2024

2025

Change

Heavy motorcycles

151,360

152,012

+652 (+0.4%)

Light motorcycles

25,749

24,950

−799 (−3.1%)

Mopeds

126,976

123,562

−3,414 (−2.7%)






The figures show that the population of heavy motorcycles increased slightly through 2025, while the number of light motorcycles and mopeds continued to decline slightly.


Watercolor of a modern blue sports motorcycle along a beautiful Norwegian coastal road with fjords, mountains and winding roads. The illustration shows motorcycle joy, technology and recreational riding, and is used in Status Norway to illustrate the development of the Norwegian motorcycle fleet and modern mobility.


Large private assets

Motorcycles, mopeds and scooters also represent significant financial values. A modern touring, adventure or electric motorcycle can cost between NOK 200,000 and NOK 400,000, while many popular mid-range models are between NOK 120,000 and NOK 200,000. Mopeds and scooters naturally have a lower value, but overall they still represent a large investment.


Based on conservative average market values, the total value can be estimated at:


Category

Approximate value

Heavy motorcycles

approximately 18.2 billion kroner

Light motorcycles

approximately 1.5 billion kroner

Mopeds and scooters

approximately 2.5 billion kroner

Total estimated value

approximately 22 billion kroner


The amount is a conservative estimate based on average market values and illustrates that this part of the vehicle fleet also represents significant private capital.


Watercolor of a modern scooter parked on the harbor promenade with Oslo City Hall and the marina in the background. The illustration shows how scooters are a practical and environmentally friendly form of transportation in Norwegian cities and are used in Status Norway on mobility, transport and the development of Norwegian vehicles.


The most popular motorcycle brands

The Norwegian market is dominated by several international manufacturers. In recent years, these brands in particular have been among the most popular:

  • BMW

  • Yamaha

  • Honda

  • KTM

  • Kawasaki

  • Triumph

  • Suzuki

  • Harley-Davidson

BMW has had a strong position in registrations in recent years, especially in the touring and adventure segments. Yamaha and Honda are among the largest manufacturers globally, while Harley-Davidson still holds a very special place among many motorcycle enthusiasts and is one of the world's most iconic motorcycle brands.



In short

  • Over 300,000 motorcycles and mopeds are registered in Norway.

  • Heavy motorcycles have had a relatively stable development in recent years.

  • The number of mopeds has dropped significantly over the past decade.

  • Overall, motorcycles, mopeds and scooters represent values of an estimated NOK 22 billion .

  • Norwegian motorcyclists invest significant amounts in new vehicles and equipment every year.


Watercolor of a classic red moped parked in an idyllic Norwegian small town with white wooden houses, flowers and cobblestone streets. The illustration symbolizes the everyday life of several generations, youth and local mobility, and is used in Status Norway to tell the story of mopeds, leisure and transport in Norway.


Status Norway

Motorcycles, mopeds and scooters are more than just vehicles. They are part of Norwegian transport history, Norwegian leisure culture and Norwegian household investments. Together with passenger cars, recreational boats, motorhomes, caravans and holiday homes, they show how large private assets have been built up over time. The statistics do not tell the whole story of Norway – but they provide an important and documented picture of a society where many people still invest in mobility, experiences and quality of life.


The knowledge behind The Invisible Capital

Invisible Capital is not built on one book or one idea. It has been developed through many years of study, research, international seminars, and practical experience from working life.


The books below represent some of the most important professional sources of inspiration behind the project. They have shaped the way I think about leadership, innovation, digitalization, customer experiences, value creation and – not least – the importance of the people who create the values.


Each book has contributed new perspectives. Together, they have helped develop the knowledge base for The Invisible Capital and the book project Value-Creating People.


I hope they can give you the same professional inspiration that they have given me.



Recommended books from our library





Book cover for Don't Make Me Think Revisited by Steve Krug – an international classic on usability, web design, UX design, information architecture, navigation and digital user experiences. The book is recommended for anyone who develops websites, digital services and customer-oriented solutions.

Content Strategy for the Web (2nd Edition)


Author/authors: Kristina Halvorson and Melissa Rach


Short review

How do you create content that actually helps people – and at the same time supports your business goals? Content Strategy for the Web is considered one of the most influential books in the field of content strategy and digital communications. The book shows how good content does not arise by chance, but through a deliberate strategy where user needs, the organization's goals, structure, work processes and management are closely linked.


The authors take the reader through the entire process – from planning and organizing to publishing, managing and continuously improving content on websites and digital services. Although technology has evolved since the book was published, the principles of quality, relevance, management and long-term content work are at least as relevant in an era where search engines and artificial intelligence assess the credibility and usefulness of content.


Why we recommend the book

At The Invisible Capital, we believe that good content is one of the most important forms of invisible value creation. A website is far more than design and technology – it is the content that builds trust, creates great customer experiences and helps people find the answers they are looking for.


This book is perfect for leaders, communications consultants, content producers, web editors, UX designers, and anyone working with digital services. It shows why a clear content strategy leads to better user experiences, more effective interactions, and stronger digital results over time.


In an era where artificial intelligence is increasingly important in how information is discovered, understood, and communicated, this book is more relevant than ever. It reminds us that technology alone never creates value – it is good, structured, and relevant content that makes the difference.





Book cover for Don't Make Me Think Revisited by Steve Krug – an international classic on usability, web design, UX design, information architecture, navigation and digital user experiences. The book is recommended for anyone who develops websites, digital services and customer-oriented solutions.

Don't Make Me ThinkAuthor: Steve Krug


Short review

Don't Make Me Think is one of the world's most influential books on usability and web design. Since its first edition in 2000, the book has helped designers, developers, content producers, and managers understand a simple but powerful principle: Good digital services should be intuitive. The user should be able to complete their task without having to stop and think about how the website works.


Why we recommend the book

This is one of the books that has had the greatest impact on my own work with digital services. Over the years – from SAS and the Norwegian Opera & Ballet to working on Bærum Municipality’s website – the principles in this book have been an important reminder that technology is never an end in itself. The goal is to make everyday life easier for the people who use the services. Despite the fact that the book was published many years ago, the message is just as relevant today.






Book cover for Internet Marketing & eCommerce by Ward Hanson and Kirthi Kalyanam – a professional book on digital marketing, e-commerce, customer experiences, digital business models, innovation, internet strategy and value creation in the digital economy.

Internet Marketing & eCommerce


Authors: Ward Hanson and Kirthi Kalyanam


Short review

Internet Marketing & eCommerce provides a thorough introduction to how the internet has changed marketing, commerce, and business development. The book combines theory and practical examples in digital marketing, e-commerce, customer behavior, value creation, and digital business models. Although written at a time when the internet was still in its infancy, many of the fundamental principles are still highly relevant.


Why we recommend the book

This book was an important part of my own learning journey in digital marketing and e-commerce. It helped build my understanding of how technology, customer experiences and business strategy are interconnected – an insight that later became very important in my work with SAS, the Norwegian Opera & Ballet, Bærum Municipality and eventually the project The Invisible Capital. Many of the ideas about customer value, digitalization and innovation presented on the website have their roots in the knowledge this book conveys.






Book cover for The Innovator's Dilemma by Clayton M. Christensen – a classic textbook on disruptive innovation, digital transformation, technological change, business development, leadership and how businesses create competitive advantage in the face of new markets.

The Innovator's Dilemma: When New


Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail


Author: Clayton M. Christensen


Short review

The Innovator's Dilemma is one of the most influential books on innovation and technological change. Clayton Christensen introduces the concept of "disruptive innovation" and shows how even the most successful businesses can fail when new technologies and business models change the market. Through a series of examples, he explains why established companies often have difficulty adapting to radical change - even when they do "everything right."


Why we recommend the book

This book has had a major impact on how I view innovation, digitalization, and change management. It provided a new perspective on why established businesses are challenged by new players, and why the ability to think differently is crucial in a world characterized by continuous technological development. Many of the reflections in The Invisible Capital on innovation, digital transformation, and value creation are based on the insights Clayton Christensen conveys in this classic.






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