The UK government is reportedly considering a ban on the sale of new petrol motorbikes by 2040 as part of its net zero ambitions.
The move would affect all L3 vehicles, which are classified as two-wheeled with an engine cylinder capacity exceeding 50 cm3.
This includes scooters and light, medium and higher-powered motorcycles. Currently, there are around 1.3 million motorcycles registered in the UK.
The change would also be accompanied by a plan to ban sales of new petrol-fuelled mopeds from 2030.
READ MORE: London motorists willing to switch cars for motorcycles amid ULEZ costs
While the government insists that no final decision has been taken on banning sales of petrol motorcycles, the UK Department for Transport (DfT) is taking steps to make low-powered electric motorcycles a more attractive transportation option.
In a consultation published two years ago, the DfT asked companies to comment on either a 2030 or 2035 ban for motorcycles and mopeds.
A ban in 2035 would have been in line with the phasing out of sales of new petrol and diesel cars.
READ MORE: UK 2035 petrol and diesel ban – do you agree with the five-year delay?
Last month ministers extended the grant for plug-in electric motorcycles, under which riders can get up to £500 off models costing less than £10,000, until April next year.
UK roads minister Guy Opperman said: “Our ‘Plan for Drivers’ is not just improving journeys for car users, but also motorcyclists, who have sometimes been overlooked.
“We’re getting on and delivering our plan to make life for drivers – and motorbike riders alike – better, fairer and cheaper, and I am glad the consultation has already seen such a significant response.”
Achievements and innovations in sustainable urban mobility will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations are open now! Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector.