A new consultation from the UK government is proposing a ban on all sales of new petrol motorcycles under 125cc by 2030. Then a ban on the remaining more powerful 125cc and above bikes will come into play in 2035.

The ‘L-category vehicles: ending sales of new non-zero emission models’ is a UK government consultation that announces a ban on sales of ‘non zero emission’ motorcycles from 2035. 

They are proposing banning sales of new petrol-powered mopeds and 125cc machines by 2030, with all 125cc+ motorcycles following by 2035. It could apparently arrive sooner “if a faster transition seems feasible”.

The consultation covers all L-category vehicles, from L1 to L7, you can see what these all mean on the UK government site here: but it basically covers motorcycles, scooters, moped and quads.

Part of the ‘greenprint’

The UK government states: “The plan set out the UK’s world-leading ‘greenprint’ to create cleaner air, healthier communities and tens of thousands of new green jobs across the UK.

The progress one year on today shows almost 7,500 extra electric vehicle chargepoints have been installed, supporting the 900,000 green vehicles that are on UK roads, and over 130 new walking and cycling schemes have been funded.”

‘It is important that motorcycles do not remain fossil fuelled as the rest of the transport fleet cleans up’, states Trudy Harrison MP, who is the Minister of State for Transport in the UK.

“Zero emission L-category vehicles don’t just offer us a vital reduction in CO 2 emissions; they open up a future where our roads are less congested, and air and noise pollution are reduced across our local communities. 

I stress that this consultation is not about imposing restrictions; it is about addressing the climate change challenge and creating energy independence, providing certainty to industry and consumers, and ensuring the creation of a zero emission L-category industry fit for the 21st Century and beyond.”

As you would expect, the motorcycle industry isn’t particularly happy about this development:

The British Motorcycle Federation (BMF) had this to say on the matter: “The BMF will oppose any proposals to ban the use of motorcycles powered by internal combustion engines while such vehicles are still capable of being run.”

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) states: “MAG totally opposes the proposed ban on the sale of internal combustion-engine vehicles, whether it be from 2035, the originally mooted 2040, or any other date. MAG likewise opposes any policy that leads to increased fuel costs or the reduced availability of fuels for internal combustion-engine vehicles.”

A similar sentiment is echoed by the National Motorcycle Council: “The Government’s ambitions in this area are clearly running ahead of what may be reasonable to deliver. Successful transition in any field requires those affected to be content with changes proposed.”

There are of course opposing views on this consultation from the green community and industry…

Helena Bennett, head of climate policy at Green Alliance, said: “The Transport Decarbonisation Plan laid ambitious foundations for the sector to begin its transition to net zero after 30 years in which emissions have stayed largely unchanged.”

“It’s promising to see delivery of some of the plan’s goals begin including announcements on a zero emission vehicle mandate and phase out of polluting HGVs, but there is more to be done to keep the sector on track with climate targets, and it’s more important than ever, given the cost of living crisis, that boosts to public transport and walk and cycling infrastructure are prioritised.”

Make local trips easier without everyone having to drive

Chris Boardman the National Active Travel Commissioner said: “If we want to enable millions more people to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys, we need to make the environment feel safe and attractive. Funding and supporting local authorities to achieve that is what Active Travel England will focus on – making local trips easier for everyone to make without having to drive.

I’m looking forward to working with councils and other partners to turn this national vision into a reality. Together we can build a pleasant and sustainable future.”

This is a debate that we’re going to see going on for the next few years, but one thing is clear, electric bikes and battery-powered ebikes are here to stay and if the UK government has anything to do with it, their growth over the next few years is going to be dramatic!

Read the consultation here.

We definitely haven’t heard the end of this…

UPDATE 21 JUNE 2023

The MCIA (Motorcycle Industry Association) and its biggest UK motorcycle manufacturers met with Rt Hon Jesse Norman MP on 21 June 2023 to discuss the Government’s plans for phasing out motorcycles by 2035. The National Motorcyclists Council and other rider representatives were also present.

Manufacturers put forward several key considerations deemed essential for a successful and balanced transition if harm to the sector is to be avoided:

1.     Environmental Contribution: Manufacturers recognised their economic and job creation contributions, while acknowledging their minimal impact on total UK domestic transport emissions, accounting for only 0.4% of the total. The phase out dates for the industry should be proportionate to its emissions, miles travelled, and the urban mobility benefits it provides.
 

2.     Complex vehicles and unique challenges: Unlike the automotive sector, the motorcycle industry deals with complex vehicles that require a bespoke approach, similar to aviation and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Transitioning to zero emissions presents numerous technical, architectural, and safety challenges that need to be addressed comprehensively.
 

3.     Cost and commercial viability: Large capacity electric powered two-wheelers (EPTWs) face a significant price point hurdle due to supply chain development, making them commercially unviable for both manufacturers and consumers. All technologies, including electric, should be equally supported, as electric solutions have proven effective for lower powered L-Category vehicles, but not for high-powered ones.
 

4.     Technology-neutral approach: Manufacturers advocated for a technology-neutral approach that considers clean and synthetic fuels alongside battery technology and alternative fuels. It is crucial to allow time for battery technology and alternative fuels to catch up before committing to an outcome that may adversely affect the economy and the market.
 

5.     Potential market impact: The current Government proposals risk major manufacturers reassessing their position in the UK market, particularly if the Government does not align phase out dates with international manufacturing and regulation developments. Imposing separate regulations could diminish the attractiveness of the UK market due to its smaller size, leading to prioritisation of larger markets at a time when the Government is seeking to secure UK investment.
 

6.     Need for developed technology: While supporting the transition to zero emissions, manufacturers emphasised the importance of fully developed technology. Before committing to investments in new technology, the industry requires guarantees from the Government regarding the availability of necessary infrastructure and the implementation of policies that drive demand and improve access to the sector.
 

Tony Campbell, CEO if the MCIA said “We were grateful for the recognition our sector received for its important role in shaping the future of transportation. The Minister showed genuine interest in our concerns and actively participated in the discussion. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with officials to ensure the right decisions are made on phase out and that the Government fully harnesses the potential of our vehicles for the benefit of everyone.”

The MCIA stated in their press release that: “The MCIA and its members are committed to a zero emission future but this must be premised on a proportional and technology-neutral approach. We urge the Government to consider the unique challenges faced by the industry and allow time for technology development, enabling informed decision-making based on factual evidence, not what the Government hopes might be the case.”

UPDATE 21 SEPTEMBER 2023

PM Rishi Sunak has delayed the ban on sales of new petrol bikes until 2035!

The five year delay has been justified amongst high energy prices and a need to give the UK vehicle owner more time to make the necessary changes – the more dubious amongst us may say it’s the Tory government playing politics to gain favour in the polls with car and motorcycle owners.

The previous plan was to stop the sale of new petrol bikes and cars in 2030, but you would still be able to own one. This is now pushed back to 2035 so you will be able to buy new petrol motorbikes and cars until 2035, but still buy used ones and own one after that date.

Is this the end? We think there’s probably still more to come on this one 🙂