Full throttle: tapping into 2024’s two-wheeler trends

“The software-defined vehicle isn’t exclusive to cars – in the last five years, we have seen many more online services being deployed in the two-wheel space,” said Ferru. 

"Advancements in automated driving, such as Level 2+ or Level 3 automation, and in-car entertainment services like Netflix, are great for cars. However, these options aren't feasible for motorcycles.”

Instead, said Ferru, improving safety will take priority.

Gino Ferru knows a thing or two about two-wheelers. When he isn’t at the helm of HERE’s EMEA sales team, you can often find Ferru cruising on his Ducati Monster through the scenic Dolomites in Italy. With his passion for motorcycles and his expertise in the industry, Ferru is the perfect person to talk us through the latest trends in two-wheeler technology.

Safety first

"The more you look down at your screen, the more chances you will be distracted at the wrong time. Motorcyclists won’t benefit from a screen crowded with 50 different alerts. Drivers need notifications as and when they are important – for instance, hazards that affect road conditions like upcoming oil slicks or sand patches – so they can adapt their driving speed and style accordingly.

“I don’t need to know about a mobile speed trap that is 20 miles away. Timing is crucial.”

Plugged in

While electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming a common sight on our streets, e-motorcycles are still much rarer. The main barrier, according to Ferru, is weight.

“The battery packs available today are significantly heavy, which isn’t ideal – you want a bike that is agile enough to maneuver around corners quickly and easily.”

The other major obstacle is, of course, range anxiety.

“Battery depletion can be influenced by several factors, including rider behavior, road topology, wind direction and temperature. Until these constraints are fully addressed, adoption will remain limited.

“On the positive side, e-motorcycles are beneficial for the environment, and certain roads that are currently off-limits due to noise restrictions will become accessible.”

Fleet street

Where two-wheelers excel is food delivery, said Ferru – and the surge in micromobility shows no signs of slowing down.

“I was just on a call with a global food delivery company, which relies on light motorcycles to deliver 80% of their products. Most of their customers expect to receive their order within minutes, not hours. There are also a few start-ups using two-wheelers to ship small electronics, from smartphones to tablets.

“Precise location tech can help to reduce delivery windows from four hours to ten-minute intervals – and give the driver visibility on the best parking options when they arrive.”

It’s easier to implement this approach in smaller cities, but the megacities are the true prize.

"I was in Istanbul last week, a city with a population of 16 million," said Ferru. "Without location technology, making deliveries with square-meter precision is nearly impossible. By combining mapping intelligence with ETA calculation, we can provide businesses with the functionality they need to deliver. When you consider the time saved and multiply it by a fleet of 25,000 scooters, the benefit is massive."

Riding ahead

For an avid motorcyclist like Ferru, he looks forward to a future where sliding onto the saddle means a seamless journey.

“I’ve used a lot of systems that can be so distracting, which can ruin the experience or even be a hazard.”

“I seek an energizing end-to-end experience. I enjoy planning my route in great detail. For example, if I'm planning a trip through the Dolomites, the major highways won't cut it – I want a sportier route. 

“Ideally, this plan would be integrated into my smartphone or head unit on a split screen: one side for engine functions, the other for navigation. 

“Like most motorcyclists, I prefer to ride with a group, so being able to share local restaurant or hotel recommendations while on the go would be the ultimate ride."