The Motorcycle Action Group, which 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 on banning sales of petrol motorcycles.
But the Department for Transport is taking steps to make low-powered electric motorcycles a more attractive transport option and views them as “dynamic, efficient and affordable… and too often overlooked”.
Last month ministers extended the grant for plug-in electric motorcycles, under which riders can get up to £500 off models costing less than £10,000, until April next year.
Ministers are also consulting on changes that would give motorcyclists use of bus lanes across the country, something that currently varies by local authority area.
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 on Friday, 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 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.”
