After a strong lobby from Swedish riders’ organization SMC, motorcycles and mopeds will be able to ride in all low emission zones.

In March 2018, the Swedish government announced that it is possible for municipalities to introduce three different low emission zones from 1 January 2020. The Swedish Motorcyclist Association, SMC was consulted in this issue.

Motorcycles and mopeds will be able to ride in all low emission zones. To SMC this is a sign that the government sees motorcycles and mopeds as smart and environmentally friendly vehicles that help to make the air cleaner and urban environment better in the cities. The total emission from mopeds and motorcycles in Sweden is very low.

From 2020 the local authorities in Sweden can choose to introduce three different low emission zones. When SMC was consulted last year, the Swedish Transport Agency proposed that only emission free powered two-wheelers would be allowed in Zone 3. It was a pleasant surprise that the government decided against the proposal from the Swedish Transport Agency and will now allow motorcycles and mopeds in all zones.

In environment zone 3, now all types of motorcycles and mopeds will be able to run while only light cars, light trucks and light buses powered by electricity or hydrogen can be carried out.

For SMC, the decision is welcome. It shows that the government does not see MC and moped as an environmental problem in Stockholm and other Swedish municipalities. This shows that the government see motorcycles and mopeds as vehicles that contribute to reduced congestion, increased accessibility, and contribute to sustainable cities.

To read the announcement from the Swedish government, click here.

The Swedish government will give municipalities the possibility of introducing three different kinds of low emission zones as of 1 January 2020:

Zone 1
The first type of low emission zone regulates heavy duty vehicles. Municipalities can already implement low emission zones for certain heavy vehicles (lorries and buses). Low emission zones already exist in eight Swedish municipalities.

Zone 2
The second type of low emission zone sets standards for cars.

•  Initially, diesel cars that meet the emission standards Euro 5 and Euro 6 may drive here. But on 1 July 2022, the standards will be made stricter, allowing only Euro 6 diesel cars to drive here. The same applies to hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids with diesel engines.
• Cars with petrol engines will have access if they meet emission standard Euro 5, or better. This also applies to hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, natural gas vehicles and E85 vehicles.
• Cars with higher environmental performance, such as electric cars and fuel cell vehicles, may also drive here.

Zone 3
The third type of low emission zone sets the highest standard. This zone only allows purely electric cars, fuel cell cars and gas cars that meet the emission standard Euro 6. High standards are also set for heavy vehicles. This zone only allows electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, plug-in hybrids and gas vehicles that meet emission standard Euro 6.

Written by Maria Nordqvist (SMC)