Background/aim: The increasing integration of digital technology into daily life has introduced new challenges for road safety, particularly for motorcycle commuters. This study examines individual, road safety-related, and psychosocial work factors as predictors of technology-induced distractions among motorcyclists. Method: Using a sample of 736 Powered Two-Wheeler (PTW) commuters, gender-specific pathways of digital distractions were analyzed through SEM and Multi-Group SEM. Results: Younger riders, those with higher sensation-seeking tendencies, and those involved in other risk-related behaviors report higher distraction; job strain was a strong predictor while better work-life balance was a mitigating factor. Sensation seeking and risk perception mattered more among males, whereas commuting trip length was a stronger predictor for female riders. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for gender-sensitive interventions to reduce technological distractions.