Source: Overheid

Amsterdam has announced that from January 1, 2025, no new petrol mopeds or scooters can be sold or registered there, and has set out a timeline for its zero emission zone

The January 1st date marks the initial phase of Amsterdam’s zero emission plan to improve air quality. In regards to older petrol moped vehicles, there is a timeline for transitional arrangements:

• until 1 January 2028, fossil fuel-powered mopeds and scooters with a Date of First Admission from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2024 will retain access to the zero-emission zone;
• until 1 January 2030, fossil fuel-powered mopeds and scooters with a Date of First Admission from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2024 will retain access to the zero-emission zone;
• From 1 January 2030, only zero-emission mopeds and scooters will have access to the zero-emission zone.

Lawmakers cite the negative health effects of air pollution as the motivation behind the regulations, where missions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) continue to present a significant health risk. These substances are linked to respiratory issues and cardiovascular diseases, with children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions being particularly vulnerable. According to estimates by the GGD, air pollution in Amsterdam reduces the average resident’s life expectancy by about 11 months and has a health impact comparable to smoking 4.4 cigarettes per day. This highlights the importance of further improving air quality in the city.

The start of phase one in 3 months will mark a clear transition in Amsterdam’s mobility future. With the Netherlands electrifying over 75% of its moped market, the banning of petrol mopeds seems a natural next step in recent mobility activity there.