Can Motorcycle Rentals Help Close the Gender Gap in Riding?

Jul 13, 2025

More women are getting interested in riding, but stepping into the motorcycle world still doesn’t feel as welcoming or accessible as it should. Even with growing communities and more visibility, there’s still a gap between being curious about riding and actually getting started. It’s not always clear where to begin, and for many women, that first step can feel like the hardest part. In this blog, we’re asking how motorcycle rentals might help close that gap and open the door for more women to feel confident getting on a bike.

Why Is There Still a Gender Gap in Motorcycling?

The gender gap in motorcycling is still a real issue, and the numbers back it up. As of 2024, women accounted for just 14% of motorcycle owners in the United States, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. That’s a slight improvement from previous years, but it still shows how far things have to go. A big part of the problem comes down to cost. Buying a motorcycle, paying for safety gear, taking a training course, and handling ongoing maintenance can quickly add up. For someone who’s new to the world of riding, especially without friends or family involved in it, that price tag can feel like a major barrier.

Beyond the financial side, the culture itself can feel hard to break into. Dealerships and riding groups often cater to men, and many women say they don’t see themselves reflected in the marketing, spaces, or conversations around motorcycles. That lack of visibility can create doubt before they even get started. For some, the idea of asking beginner questions or showing up at a training class feels intimidating, especially when there’s a pressure to already know what you’re doing. Over time, those barriers, both practical and social, are what keep the gap in place, even when the interest is clearly there.

The Numbers Behind the Gender Gap

Ownership only tells part of the story. To get a clearer picture of where things stand, here are a few key stats that show how the gender gap plays out in different areas of motorcycle culture:

1. High training interest, low ownership: Women made up 42% of participants at Motorcycle Safety Foundation RIDE Days events, yet they account for only 14 percent of registered motorcycle owners. This shows many women take initial riding steps but few move on to buy a bike.
2. Upfront costs loom larger for women. The average new bike runs about $10,000, plus roughly $800 for basic gear and $300 for training. With women earning a median weekly wage of $1,083 (83% of men’s $1,302), that initial outlay equals over 20 weeks of pay, compared to about 17 weeks for men. The greater share of income required makes women more hesitant to commit.
3. Women remain under-represented in marketing. A broad study of advertising images across leading brands found fewer than 10% of motorcycle ads feature women riders. That lack of visibility reinforces the idea that getting involved with motorcycles is a male pursuit.
4. Crash data highlights the gender gap in ridership. Women account for just 8% of motorcycle crash fatalities, while men make up 92%. It's encouraging that the number is not higher for women, but it also reflects how underrepresented they are on the road. At the same time, the high percentage of male fatalities is a sobering reminder of how dangerous riding can be and how many lives are lost each year. These numbers highlight both the risks involved and the ongoing disparity in who is riding.

How Motorcycle Rentals Help Break Down Those Barriers

Motorcycle rentals give women a way to explore riding without the pressure of a long-term commitment or the high costs that come with ownership. Instead of spending thousands on a bike and gear just to see if they enjoy it, riders can rent for a day or weekend and take their time figuring it out. This kind of flexibility makes it easier to learn on their own terms, try different styles of bikes, and gain confidence without feeling like they have to get it all right from the start. It also gives them a chance to learn gradually, without jumping headfirst into a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Rentals also help shift the social experience. When riding is framed as something temporary or low-pressure, it becomes more approachable. Women don’t need to walk into a dealership or commit to a specific riding group just to get started. Rental platforms like Riders Share allow them to connect with other riders, ask questions, and learn in a way that feels welcoming and accessible. By lowering the cost, removing the pressure to buy, and offering an easier way to take that first step, motorcycle rentals help open the door to a riding experience that feels more inclusive from the beginning.

What Makes Peer-to-Peer Rentals Even More Effective?

While traditional rentals help lower the cost and commitment of riding, peer-to-peer platforms go even further by giving new riders access to more options, more locations, and a more approachable experience overall. Here’s what makes them especially effective:

• Wider selection of bikes: Riders can choose from thousands of listings, including smaller models or beginner-friendly options that aren’t always available through traditional rental shops.
• More rental locations: Peer-to-peer platforms operate nationwide, including in small towns and rural areas where rental businesses may not exist.
• Opportunities to ride while traveling: Riders can rent in different cities, making it easier to keep building skills and confidence outside their home base.
• Direct communication with the owner: Many listings allow renters to ask questions, get tips, or learn how the bike handles before taking it out.
• A less formal experience: The process often feels more relaxed than working with a dealership, which can help reduce the pressure for someone new to riding.
• Visibility for women in the space: As more women rent and list bikes, peer-to-peer platforms create space for connection, representation, and community that hasn’t always been there.

Confidence, Experience, and the Power of Access

When you have access to something, you’re more likely to stick with it—and that’s especially true with riding. Being able to rent a bike when it works for your schedule, try out different models, and practice in real-life situations helps build confidence in a way that one training course or a single weekend ride just can’t match. It’s not about mastering everything right away, it’s about having the space to learn at your own pace without feeling rushed or judged. That kind of consistent, low-pressure exposure makes riding feel less intimidating over time, and the more experience you gain, the more comfortable it starts to feel. Rentals give you that option. They give you time in the seat, chances to work through the nerves, and the ability to grow without needing to own a bike right away.

So, Can Rentals Really Help Close the Gap?

It’s clear that rentals can remove a lot of the roadblocks that have kept women from getting into riding, but the real question is whether that kind of access can shift the bigger picture. While rentals alone won’t fix every issue tied to the gender gap in motorcycling, they absolutely create more opportunities for women to get started, build experience, and feel like they belong in the space. The more those opportunities grow, the more the culture starts to shift. It’s not about changing the entire industry overnight, it’s about making it easier for more people to take that first step and rentals can be one of the most practical ways to do that.

Thinking About Getting Started? Rent a Motorcycle on Riders Share

If you’re thinking about trying to ride but feel like the barriers are still too high, Riders Share gives you a different way in. You don’t need to buy a bike, commit to one style, or feel out of place walking into a dealership. With listings across the country, you can choose a bike that matches your comfort level and try it on your own schedule, without the pressure that usually comes with getting started. Riders Share was built to make riding more accessible, and for many women, that’s exactly what’s been missing. Browse our selection of motorcycle rentals in your area and find the right fit for you.