What happens to Motorcycles post-2030?
After the Government's restrictions banning the sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030, there is lots of questions as to what the future holds for the electric vehicle market.
This ban has been brought forward twice now, initially intended for 2040 then being moved to 2035 and now again 2030. Having the ban brought forward yet again emphasises the increased efforts from the government in achieving their road map to net-zero 2050 emissions.
But the forgotten area seems to be motorcycles?
Motorbikes are not included in the current 2030 ban decarbonising the automotive sector. As we stand riders are still able and will be able to purchase new fossil-fuel powered motorcycles beyond the date. If this was subject to change the Department for Transport will consult members first.
Two wheeled transport already offers a cleaner efficient way to travel. Emissions would fall considerably if more were to make the swap and this would further reduce gridlock on our roads. There is just shy of 1.3 million motorbikes on the roads, a collective 3% of the 40 million road vehicles- which in turn contribute to less than 1% of our CO2 emissions for the entirety of UK transport.
There are just shy of 1.3million motorcycles on UK roads today — that’s around 3% of the collective 40 million road vehicles — which actually contribute to less than 1% of CO2 emissions for the entirety of UK transport.
Shifting to electric
The electric shift in the motorbike sector is proportionately small, around 1.3% of all motorbikes registered in Europe last year were electric.
That percentage should begin to grow, as technology progresses more manufactures are investing in the technology to support the infrastructure of widespread EV's.
But an electric motorcycle can be charged using a standard three-pin plug; meaning quicker charging, (100 miles for one-hour’s charge for some e-bikes), and more versatility when it comes to charging options. Some bikes even have removable batteries, enabling them to be charged separately.
The transition to electric two-wheelers will be slower than other vehicles, but the government does already offer financial grants to lure people into buying electric- up to 20% of the purchase price (£1,500 maximum) off new electric motorcycles or electric moped's.
While nothing is confirmed to suggest that sales of new fossil-fuelled motorbikes will halt; based on the government’s climate goals, it’s probably wise to assume that it won’t be too far behind.