29 Powersports Industry Statistics, Trends & Analysis

As of 2017, the Power Sports Market size has been valued at over USD 10.5 billion with an estimated 4% CAGR from 2018 to 2024 due to a growing demand for recreational activities across the globe. From a growing tourism industry to an increasing amount of ATV clubs and outdoor parks, product penetration is happening in many additional segments. Here is a look at some of the most surprising powersports industry statistics to be familiar with.

Important Powersports Industry Statistics

#1. ATV manufacturing in the United States is an industry which is valued at $5 billion. From 2012-2017, the industry saw annualized compound growth at 3.4%. (IBIS World)

#2. There are just 39 businesses currently active in the ATV manufacturing segment of the powersports industry. They are responsible for about 7,700 direct employment opportunities. (IBIS World)

#3. The top 4 manufacturers in the ATV segment of the industry are responsible for over 80% of the revenues that are generated each year. (IBIS World)

#4. Sales of personal watercraft in Florida account for over 14% of the segment revenues which are generated for the powersports industry each year. (Boating Industry)

#5. In 2016, the PWC segment of the industry posted an average growth rate of 7.4%. Annual sales of personal watercraft reached almost 60,000 new units and over 130,000 pre-owned units. (Boating Industry)

#6. Sales growth for the PWC segment in 2016 was highest in the San Francisco area, including Oakland and San Jose. YoY growth was 43.2%. Detroit, Philadelphia, and New York City were the next top areas for PWC sales growth, being the only other markets above 20%. (Boating Industry)

#7. The average price for a new PWC in the United States is $11,000. The average price for a pre-owned unit is just $2,600. (Boating Industry)

#8. Total revenues generated by the PWC manufacturing segment in the United States average $617 million each year. Since 2013, this industry segment has been growing at an annual average rate of 3.5%. (IBIS World)

#9. The recreational boating industry supports over 650,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, with 35,000 small businesses actively engaged in the industry. (National Marine Manufacturers Association)

#10. 95% of the PWC in the water, owned by Americans, are classified as “small,” with a length of less than 26 feet. (National Marine Manufacturers Association)

#11. Sales of new snowmobiles grew by 8% in the United States in 2015, while sales in Canada grew at 4% over the same period. (International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association)

#12. The total number of new snowmobiles sold in 2015 reached over 58,000 units. In 2014, there were just 54,000 units sold, while 2013 saw 48,500 units sold. (International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association)

#13. The number of miles ridden on a snowmobile increased by over 10% since 2013. That activity generates more than $34 billion in economic support throughout North America each year. (International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association)

#14. More than 472,000 motorcycles are sold in the United States every year. (Statista)

#15. California has the most motorcycle registrations in the United States, with more than 842,000 units currently on the records. (Statista)

#16. More than $4.4 billion is generated for the powersports industry through the motorcycle manufacturing segment each year. (Statista)

#17. About 75% of the motorcycles which are sold in the United States are for on-highway motorcycles. (Statista)

#18. About 810,000 new motorcycle registrations occur in the European Union every year. (Statista)

#19. In 2014, the total number of motorcycle registrations in the United States reached 8.4 million. That’s almost double the number of total registrations that occurred in the year 2000. (USA Today)

#20. In 1998, only 8% of registered motorcycle owners were women. In 2014, that percentage increased to 14%. (USA Today)

#21. Harley-Davidson is the leading brand in the motorcycle segment of the powersports industry. In 2015, they accounted for over 29% of new motorcycle sales. Honda Motors followed at 14%, with Yamaha taking 13% of the overall market. (The Motley Fool)

#22. Eight manufacturers in the motorcycle segment represent 81% of all sales that are produced for the powersports industry each year. (The Motley Fool)

#23. Even though Sturgis, South Dakota is the home of an annual gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts each year, only 2,620 new motorcycles were sold in the state in 2015. (The Motley Fool)

#24. Wyoming has the highest levels of motorcycle ownership in the United States, with 7 motorcycles owned for every 100 people. (The Motley Fool)

#25. The median age of the average motorcycle user continues to rise. In 1990, the average age of a motorcycle owner was 32. In 2009, the average age climbed to 40. Within this age demographic, Harley-Davidson controls a 55% share of the market. (The Motley Fool)

#26. In 1990, 8% of motorcycle purchases were by riders under 18. Recent figures show that this age demographic is currently 2% of all motorcycle riders. Those in the 18-24 age demographic have fallen from 16% of riders to just 6% of all riders. (The Motley Fool)

#27. Married riders are 61% of all current motorcycle owners. (The Motley Fool)

#28. 65% of the households who decide to purchase a motorcycle have an HHI of $50,000 or more. The median HHI of a household which owned at least one motorcycle was $62,200 in 2014. (The Motley Fool)

#29. 72% of motorcycle owners report that they have received some college or post-graduation education. The same percentage is currently employed, while 15% of motorcycle owners report that they are retired. (The Motley Fool)

Powersports Industry Trends and Analysis

Despite some commentaries which suggest otherwise, the powersports industry is not dying. It is simply in a state of transformation. The motorcycle segment of the industry is the first to go through this transformation, as more population demographics begin to embrace the joys of using these vehicles recreationally or professionally.

There will continue to be some industry downturns in specific segments as the traditional consumer steps away from this industry as majority owners and other demographics replace them.

That is good news from a 10-year forecast perspective, as increased demographics translate to a larger base of future customers. Expect some segments of this industry to be growing at an annual rate of 5% to 7% by 2028 as they complete their transition process.

Two factors can slow down this growth. Changing economic conditions, such as the implementation of tariffs or a reduction in employment opportunities, will reduce the number of new units sold by the industry. Changes in weather conditions may hamper specific segments.

Snowmobiles, for example, typically experience stronger sales when there is a larger snowpack available for consumers to enjoy.

Powersports are continuing to grow in popularity. As more people embrace these vehicles, it will create new investment opportunities.