The Motorcycle Industry Association has requested the government rethink its decision to end sales of new non-zero emission motorcycles by 2035.
The request of the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) comes after the publication of a government proposal to end the sales of all new non-zero emission motorcycles by 2035, and by 2030 in some cases.
Specifically, all new non-zero emission L-category vehicle sales - which right now means pretty much everything that is not electric - would have to end by 2035, but for L1, L2, L3e-A1, L6 and L7 vehicles, the end date for new non-zero emission sales would be 2030.
The full list of L-categories is below:
- L1 - Light two-wheeled powered vehicles (including mopeds)
- L2 - Three-wheel mopeds
- L3 - Two-wheeled motorcycles
- L4 - Two-wheeled motorcycles with sidecars
- L5 - Powered tricycles
- L6 - Light quadricycles
- L7 - Heavy quadricycles
The government proposal, which can be viewed on the UK government website, also says it will subsequently discuss:
- Which L-category vehicles could be derogated (detracted)
- The methods to enforce requirements
- The role, if any, of alternative fuels in achieving this goal (this could include synthetic fuels or hydrogen, for example).
The MCIA says: “Making up just 0.5% of UK domestic transport emissions, this news is a missed opportunity to allow industry more time to adapt, and for technology to catch up. Our case to Government explained why this sector needs a different approach, in particular where our products are primarily used for sport and leisure activities.”
Additionally, Tony Campbell, the Chief Executive of the MCIA, said: “We recognise our environmental contribution will increase as other transport modes phase out and so support the decision to phase out L1 vehicles by 2030. However, we do not support the decision to include L3e-A1, which even with an ICE powertrain are significantly more environmentally efficient than some electric cars.
“The Government has not considered the complexities of the L-Category sector in terms of what is and isn’t feasible when it comes to phasing out the other key segments of the market.
"We put forward a compelling case in our Journey to a Brighter Destination document for the continued support of large capacity leisure motorcycling and why it needs to be treated as such in the consultation. Its minimal emissions, low mileage, important contributions to the economy, sport, tourism and mental health benefits are all reasons why a fairer, progressive and more bespoke approach is needed to phase out new non zero emission motorcycles.
"The MCIA and its members will be continuing to push the case for why large capacity motorcycles need more time to phase out and are looking forward to fully engaging with the consultation process to ensure the best outcome for industry.”
