Proactive Investors - A ban on petrol-fuelled motorcycles might be pushed back until 2040 as a groundswell of opposition to its Net Zero plans grows among vehicle manufacturers.
All vehicles classed as “L3” and upwards, including scooters and light, medium and higher-powered motorcycles will be affected, The Telegraph reported, though No 10 has yet to sign off on the policy said the report.
Petrol-fuelled mopeds will be phased out earlier, from 2030, given they account for half of sales already but electric motorcycles, in contrast, represented 2% of total sales in 2023.
If confirmed, the plan would mean a watering down of original plans that would have seen the bike ban coincide with cars.
Ministers though are already facing a revolt by car manufacturers over its plans for petrol-fuelled and bike groups predicted a similar reaction even if the watered-down plans are introduced.
Rider group The Motorcycle Action Group told the Telegraph the plan would be unworkable and “terminate most British motorcycle manufacturing” if implemented.
Lobby groups point out that motorcycles and mopeds represented just 0.5% of UK emissions compared to more than 50% for car and lorries.
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 sale for new motorbikes and mopeds, we continue to engage with the industry on the matter.”