Hey, UK riders, you might want to check this website out. The British government is currently seeking feedback as to when it should end the sale of new gasoline-powered motorcycles, and is proposing a date as early as 2030.
This information comes from an official Gov.UK page, not from a wild-eyed conspiracy theorist. See for yourselfhere. Until September 21, the Department of Transport is running consultation on when it should end the sale of new vehicles in several categories. That includes motorcycles, moped, and sidecar rigs that run on gasoline.
Consultation description
Seeking opinions as to when the UK should stop selling new non-zero emission L-category vehicles.
L-category vehicles include the following and their sub-categories:
- L1 – light 2-wheel powered vehicles (including mopeds)
- L2 – 3-wheel mopeds
- L3 – 2-wheel motorcycles
- L4 – 2-wheel motorcycles with sidecars
- L5 – powered tricycles
- L6 – light quadricycles
- L7 – heavy quadricycles
Non-zero emission vehicles produce harmful exhaust air emissions while driving. These include greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, and pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide.
We are proposing dates of:
- 2035 for all L-category vehicles at the latest
- 2030 for L1, L2, L3e-A1, L6 and L7 sub-category vehicles
We will subsequently discuss:
- which L-category vehicles could be derogated
- the methods to enforce requirements
- the role, if any, of alternative fuels in achieving this goal
There are documents attached to the website, along with email addresses and physical mail addresses for people to respond to the government’s questioning.
Along with the very idea of a ban on all new petrol-powered motorcycle and moped sales, there are three other things to note here. First off, this consultation process ends September 21, 2022; don’t sit around on your butt and plan to “fill it out later.” The time to address this isnow, if you want to have a say.
Second, note the dates in that quote above. The UK government wants to end new gasoline motorbike sales by 2030, 2035 at the latest. Do you reckon EV charging infrastructure will be up to snuff by then, or that electric motorcycles will be ready to replace motorcycles by then? Send in consultation feedback accordingly.
Third, this is not currently a ban on existing gasoline-powered motorcycles. Even if the UK bans new sales of petrol-powered bikes in 2030, that doesn’t mean your GS will be illegal.
Carry on, then! And remember: This issue isn’t just a UK question right now—governments everywhereare aiming to end the sale of internal combustion engines in the next decade or so.
