Petrol motorcycle sales banned from 2040
‘Unworkable’ ban will end most British motorcycle manufacturing, warns riders’ lobby group
The sale of new petrol-engined motorcycles is to be banned from 2040, as part of the Government’s net zero crackdown. The move would affect all vehicles classed as “L3” and upwards, including scooters and light, medium and higher-powered motorcycles. Some 1.3m motorcycles are registered in the UK. The policy is expected to be announced soon, according to industry sources, although it is not clear whether Downing Street has yet signed off on it.
THE sale of new petrol-engined motorcycles is to be banned from 2040, as part of the Government’s net zero crackdown.
The move would affect all vehicles classed as “L3” and upwards, including scooters and light, medium and higher-powered motorcycles. Some 1.3m motorcycles are registered in the UK.
The policy is expected to be announced soon, according to industry sources, although it is not clear whether Downing Street has yet signed off on it.
The move would be accompanied by a ban on sales of new petrol-fuelled mopeds from 2030.
That reflects the high numbers of electric mopeds being sold. They accounted for roughly half of UK moped registrations last year.
The market for electric motorcycles is, however, less developed – representing less than 2pc of bike sales in 2023.
Many e-motorcycles have ranges of less than 100 miles and not all of them can be charged at electric car charging points.
The Motorcycle Action Group, a lobby group that represents riders, has claimed banning new petrol motorcycle sales is “unworkable” and will “terminate most British motorcycle manufacturing” if implemented.
The Government insists no final decision has been taken.
But the Department for Transport is taking steps to make low-powered electric motorcycles a more attractive transport option, viewing them as “dynamic, efficient and affordable … and too often overlooked”.
Last month ministers extended a grant for electric motorcycles until April next year. Riders can get up to £500 off models costing less than £10,000. Ministers are also consulting on changes that would allow motorcyclists universal use of bus lanes, something that some local authorities do not permit. However, banning sales of new petrol motorcycles from 2040 would represent a climbdown. In a consultation published two years ago, the Department for Transport 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 cars.
But while cars and taxis accounted for 57pc of the UK’S transport-related carbon emissions in 2021, motorcycles and mopeds represented just 0.5pc.
The Motorcycle Industry Association had previously warned that phasing out petrol-fuelled motorcycles by 2035 was “unrealistic” and could cause some manufacturers to “review their place in the UK market”.
Commenting on the proposals last year, Tony Campbell, the association’s chief executive, told Motorcycle News: “If you get it wrong, you could kill us.”
Asked about the potential climbdown, a spokesman for the group said: “We cannot comment on speculation but note that the Government has said it will be publishing the outcome of the consultation imminently.”
A spokesman for the Department for Transport said: “An increasing number of riders are choosing electric motorcycles and mopeds, including from British manufacturers like Maeving.
“While we are committed to transitioning away from petrol and diesel engines, no decision has been taken on the end of sale for new motorbikes and mopeds. We continue to engage with the industry on the matter.”
Guy Opperman, the roads minister, added: “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.”