UK rings death knell for petrol motorcycles

The British Government intends to ban the sale of new petrol-engined motorcycles and scooters from 2035

Time is running out for motorcycles and scooters powered by internal combustion engines, with a recent paper from the British Government signaling its intention to ban the sale of all but zero-emission powered two-wheelers from 2035, if not earlier.

The UK Department of Transport’s report, Decarbonising transport: a better, greener Britain, published last week, outlines the UK Government’s commitment to effectively remove new petrol bikes and scooters from British dealer showrooms in as little as 14 years, subject to further consultation earmarked to occur in coming months.

Harley-Davidson's LiveWire brand unveiled its first model recently

“We will consult this year on a phase-out date of 2035, or earlier if a faster transition appears feasible, for the sale of new non-zero emission powered two- and three-wheelers (and other L category vehicles),” the paper states.

The UK’s L category encompasses powered light vehicles with two, three or four wheels, that can carry either passengers or cargo.

The 208-page plan reveals how Britain aims to achieve an emissions-free transport system in coming years

Zero-emission transition

The move follows on from the UK Government’s commitment for cars and vans under 3.5 tonnes to have “significant zero emissions capability” by 2030 and have zero tailpipe emissions by 2035, and for even the heaviest trucks to be zero emission by 2040.

“Zero emission motorcycles and other powered two-wheelers are an efficient and clean form of mobility that can reduce congestion, improve urban air quality and reduce noise,” the paper states.

“We will take forward measures to remove these emissions, including consulting on a date to end the sale of new non-zero emission motorbikes, ensuring we support the development of new industrial opportunities for the UK,” it continues.

Bikes in focus

While until now the push towards a carbon-neutral transport system has largely targeted passenger cars and commercial vehicles, this latest paper brings the future of new motorcycle production into sharp focus.

While the development of electric bikes and scooters has thus far lagged behind the gains made in the passenger car industry – excluding notable exceptions like Harley-Davidson's LiveWire and the recently announced LiveWire One, plus BMW’s upcoming CE 04 scooter – the UK Government’s announcement should only hasten manufacturers’ efforts to transition to zero-emission power.

Caution required

Britain’s National Motorcyclists Council, however, has called for greater emphasis on the role motorcycles and scooter can play in reducing emissions and congestion, while warning of the potential dangers of transitioning to a zero-emission bike fleet too soon.

“This landmark announcement marks a fundamental change to the nature of motorcycling as we know it and is not unexpected given the recent announcement for zero-emission car production,” said Craig Carey-Clinch, NMC Executive Director.

“The implications for motorcycling are profound and the NMC will be playing a full part in the forthcoming consultation on the proposed phase-out date for new petrol-powered motorcycle production.

“We note that the Government recognises the congestion benefits of motorcycling in general in the Plan and notes that motorcycles are an ‘important and sizable’ part of the vehicle fleet. The NMC urges the Department for Transport to do more to recognise this and the lower polluting and cost-saving benefits of current ICE [internal combustion engine] motorcycles in its wider current transport policies. Particularly as the motorcycles, scooters and mopeds of today already play an important part in reducing emissions from road transport.

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“Although zero emission motorcycles are increasing their market share in the lower-powered commuter end of the market and there are opportunities for the electrification of certain types of motorcycling activity right now, there is clearly some way to go before zero-emission products will be available at a cost, specification and battery range that can encompass the needs of riders across the entire motorcycle range and for the diversity of reasons that people ride.

“We can appreciate why the Government will wish to lay a target date as this will create focus. But this ambition may need flexibility if market and economic ‘shocks’ in the motorcycle sector are to be avoided in the event that both technology and market acceptability does not meet rider expectations by 2035. Government will need to sensitive to this and also to the views of those who ride today – not just focus on tomorrow.”

UK rings death knell for petrol motorcycles

Zero-emission transition

Bikes in focus

Caution required

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