The rise of the female motorcycle rider
How women are transforming Australia’s bike scene
More women are riding motorcycles – changing the face of Australian motorcycling. They’re embracing life on two wheels, bringing fresh energy, strong community ties and a clear commitment to safety.
In a recent QBE survey of 500 riders, we discovered 37% were female. So we dug a little deeper to get to the heart of it and learn what’s driving the shift.
A growing community
In Australia, the number of female motorcyclists is surging. While males still outnumber females, the gap is closing. In the past two decades, the number of women riders has increased by 128%.
This growth is fuelled by riding clubs, community events, and social media groups.
Related article: The Australian motorcycle survey 2025
The freedom of the ride
So, what is it that draws women to motorcycles? Here’s what they told us.
- 63% loved the sense of freedom
- 41% loved being out in nature
- 37% loved the thrill and adrenaline
When it came to how women used their motorcycles, hitting the road for fun topped the list at 79%. Scenic rides through the countryside, coastal rides, and long winding roads with lots of bends were also popular.
62% of female riders preferred to ride alone, enjoying the solitude that comes with solo riding.
“I love the freedom of just riding down the highway and taking in the solitude.”
What do they ride?
Female riders showed diverse brand preferences, with ownership patterns closely mirroring those of male riders. The top motorcycle brands owned by women included:
The most popular engine size among female riders was 1000-1499cc, indicating women like machines with a bit of muscle.
Safety first
Safety is a non-negotiable for female riders, with 100% of those surveyed wearing protective gear – slightly higher than the 97% reported among male riders. Items like motorcycle boots, gloves, jackets and pants were consistently worn, reinforcing a strong safety-first mindset.
But it can be tempting to put style before safety, as discovered in a study by Deakin Reseach. So it’s worth doing your research before kitting yourself out.
In terms of potential accidents, the biggest concern for female riders was inattentive car drivers. Reassuringly, 84% said their understanding of motorcycle insurance was moderate to excellent.
New riders on the road
Based on our survey, 8% of women had held a license for less than a year, compared to just 1% of males. This tells us many more female riders are entering the market, bringing a fresh energy to the community.
“I love how liberating it is. I was never a bike girl – now I am.”
Whether you’re new to riding or a seasoned pro, it’s a good idea to look for insurance that’s built for riding in Australia. When it comes to motorcycle insurance, QBE is at the heart of every ride.
Ready to ride with confidence?