India’s Two-Wheeler Market in 2026: Sales Trends, EV Growth and What’s Next
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Two wheeler sales in India remain an important indicator of the country’s automobile market and consumer demand. According to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), India recorded 8,34,075 two-wheeler retail registrations during Navratri 2026. This was 2.79% lower than Navratri 2025 but 32.41% higher than the same period in 2024. While overall registrations saw a slight decline, electric two-wheelers continued to record strong growth.
1. Two Wheeler Sales in India: Key Numbers and Market Trends
FADA’s report covers the ten-day period from 11 to 20 October 2026, with data collected from 1,468 of India’s 1,469 regional transport offices (RTOs).
Here are the key figures:
| Metric | Navratri 2026 | Comparison | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-wheeler registrations | 8,34,075 | 8,58,027 in 2025 | -2.79% |
| Two-wheeler registrations | 8,34,075 | 6,29,909 in 2024 | +32.41% |
| Electric two-wheeler registrations | 75,758 | 56,787 in 2025 | +33.41% |
| Electric two-wheeler registrations | 75,758 | 40,450 in 2024 | +87.29% |
Source: FADA’s provisional Navratri 2026 vehicle retail report. Figures are subject to revision.
The comparison with 2025 needs some context. Navratri lasted 11 days in 2025 compared with 10 days in 2026. FADA also highlighted the impact of the GST 2.0 rollout in 2025, which contributed to a stronger comparison base. Therefore, the year-on-year decline should be considered alongside the 32.41% growth recorded against 2024.
For more details, read the Financial Express report on Navratri 2026 automobile retail performance.
2. Electric Two-Wheeler Sales in India Record Strong Growth
Electric two-wheelers were one of the strongest performers in FADA’s report. Registrations reached 75,758 during Navratri 2026, up 33.41% from 56,787 in 2025 and 87.29% from 40,450 in 2024.
| Year | Electric Two-Wheeler Registrations |
|---|---|
| Navratri 2024 | 40,450 |
| Navratri 2025 | 56,787 |
| Navratri 2026 | 75,758 |
Source: FADA’s provisional Navratri retail data.
The numbers show that electric two-wheelers are becoming a more visible part of India’s festive vehicle market. However, buyers should consider their daily travel distance, charging access, purchase budget, running costs and local service availability before choosing an electric model.
3. What Do the Figures Say About Petrol Bikes?
Petrol-powered motorcycles and scooters continue to serve a large part of India’s mobility needs. However, FADA’s headline two-wheeler figure includes different types of vehicles and should not be treated as petrol motorcycle sales alone.
The overall segment recorded 8.34 lakh registrations, including 75,758 electric two-wheelers. While total registrations declined slightly compared with Navratri 2025, electric two-wheeler registrations increased.
For buyers, the choice between petrol and electric depends on individual requirements. Petrol models may suit riders who prioritise established service networks and longer-distance travel, while electric models may appeal to those with convenient charging access and predictable daily commutes. Comparing the purchase price, fuel or electricity costs, maintenance, insurance and financing can help determine which option offers better value.
4. How Did the Wider Indian Automobile Market Perform?
Two-wheelers recorded the highest number of retail registrations among the vehicle categories covered in FADA’s report. However, performance varied across the wider automobile industry.
| Vehicle Category | Navratri 2026 Registrations | Change vs 2025 | Change vs 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-wheelers | 8,34,075 | -2.79% | +32.41% |
| Three-wheelers | 45,735 | -7.51% | +19.04% |
| Passenger vehicles | 1,82,728 | -21.91% | +10.39% |
| Commercial vehicles | 35,618 | +1.12% | +16.47% |
| Tractors | 22,690 | +0.89% | +20.21% |
| Total vehicle retail | 11,23,086 | -6.52% | +26.76% |
Source: FADA’s provisional Navratri 2026 vehicle retail data. Three-wheeler, commercial vehicle and tractor figures exclude Telangana because registration data was unavailable.
The figures show that the slowdown was not equal across all categories. Passenger vehicle registrations recorded a sharper decline, while commercial vehicles and tractors reported small increases. Compared with Navratri 2024, most major vehicle categories recorded higher registrations.
For additional industry coverage, read Autocar Professional’s report on Navratri 2026 vehicle retail sales.
5. What Could Dhanteras and Diwali Mean for Two-Wheeler Buyers?
The Dhanteras-to-Diwali shopping period is another important opportunity for dealerships. FADA expressed cautious optimism about festive demand, although Navratri figures alone cannot predict how many vehicles will be registered during the remaining festive season. Bookings, vehicle availability, financing conditions and customer demand will all influence the final numbers.
If you’re planning to buy a motorcycle or scooter, compare offers carefully rather than focusing only on advertised discounts. Check the complete on-road price, including insurance and registration charges, and compare loan interest rates, processing fees, tenure and total repayment. Ask the dealership for written details of exchange bonuses or complimentary services, confirm delivery timelines and compare petrol and electric options based on your daily usage.
6. What Happens Next in India’s Two-Wheeler Industry?
FADA’s Navratri 2026 data points to a large two-wheeler market, a modest year-on-year decline in overall registrations and continued growth in electric models. The upcoming Dhanteras and Diwali retail figures will provide a clearer picture of whether festive demand gained momentum after Navratri.
For now, the key takeaway is that overall two-wheeler registrations and electric two-wheeler registrations followed different trends during the same festive period.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
How many two-wheelers were registered during Navratri 2026?
FADA reported 8,34,075 two-wheeler retail registrations during the ten-day Navratri period from 11 to 20 October 2026.
Did two-wheeler sales increase or decrease during Navratri 2026?
Registrations declined by 2.79% compared with Navratri 2025 but increased by 32.41% compared with Navratri 2024.
How did electric two-wheelers perform during Navratri 2026?
Electric two-wheeler registrations reached 75,758, up 33.41% from 2025 and 87.29% from 2024.
Does FADA’s report cover petrol motorcycles only?
No. The overall two-wheeler category includes different types of vehicles. FADA separately reports electric two-wheeler registrations, so the headline total should not be considered petrol motorcycle sales alone.
Is Diwali a good time to buy a two-wheeler?
Festive offers can be worth considering, but compare the actual on-road price, financing terms, model availability and your requirements before booking.
Final Thoughts
The latest two wheeler sales in India data presents a mixed picture. Overall registrations declined slightly compared with Navratri 2025, but remained considerably higher than in 2024. Electric two-wheelers also continued to gain ground, becoming a more visible part of the Indian two-wheeler market.
The upcoming festive retail figures will help show whether demand picks up during Dhanteras and Diwali. For buyers, comparing prices, financing options and long-term running costs remains the best way to make an informed purchase.