People Rushing to Two-Wheelers for Mobility: Innovation Will Protect Them

Despite the motorcycle industry losing an estimated seven million motorcycle sales in 2020, a number of periodic spurts in two-wheeler registrations in numerous countries suggests that two-wheelers became viable, less costly alternatives to public transit.

Car safety products, like Mobileye for example, which add an extra dimension of driving awareness are readily available everywhere for car drivers, but are the same kinds of products available to two-wheeled vehicle riders in the same capacity? Not yet, because the technology requires engineers to account for more intricacies, because factors considered in mapping out the surroundings of a two-wheeled vehicle on the road are far more complex. For example, four-wheeled vehicles don’t tilt or lean with shifts in weight; they don’t vibrate nearly as much; and they have stronger braking mechanisms. Motorcycles, and similar types of vehicles, do. But solutions are in the works.

While technology can solve some of the problems, government institutions must work to improve upon existing testing and training norms to ensure that riders are better prepared before hitting the road. Many two-wheeler schools only teach basics in vehicle control and don’t provide comprehensive enough training in road awareness and handling high-traffic situations. Worse, agencies in some countries hand out licenses with low testing standards, putting inexperienced, poorly trained riders on the road too soon. The consequences are sometimes fatal.

Furthermore, governments should work with private institutions, such as motorized two-wheeler manufacturers, to financially incentivize incorporating ride safety technology. Both should also collaborate with insurance companies to encourage incentivization of riders to purchase safety equipment—the same way four-wheeled vehicle drivers receive discounts for integrating safety tech. Combined, both better rider education—such as Norway’s student-focused motorcycle safety education program—and encouragement to use tech would provide a major boost to riders around the world.