On the 8th of April 2019, Transport For London (TFL) implemented the new ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) policy which charges a fee for vehicles that do not meet these new emission standards. The purpose behind this relatively new policy is to encourage the use of low emission vehicles to help target and improve air quality in central London. 

Over time, bad air quality is thought to worsen chronic illnesses, stunt children’s development, and even shorten life expectancy. London’s nitrogen dioxide levels (NO2), a chemical produced by diesel cars, has been at its highest for many years. The ULEZ is acting as a tangible plan of action to tackle this concerning statistic and to create a more sustainable future for London. 

It’s important to note that unlike the Congestion Charge, which was introduced in 2003 to control heavy traffic in the capital, the ULEZ also applies to two-wheeled vehicles.

The ULEZ operates in the same area as the Congestion Charge, which includes Mayfair, St James, Waterloo, the City of London, Covent Garden, Charing Cross, Soho, Westminster, Finsbury, Holborn, Bloomsbury and a few areas of Marylebone, Lambeth and Southwark.

However, from the 25th of October 2021, the ULEZ policy will encapsulate all of London within the North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205). 

How much is the ULEZ fee, and do scooters, mopeds, and motorcycles have to pay for ULEZ?

The ULEZ charges a £12.50 daily fee for those riding scooters, mopeds, motorcycles, cars, vans, and minibuses within the zone that do not meet the predetermined emissions limits.

The ULEZ policy is in place 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Those who refuse to pay the fee can expect a penalty charge of £180, though this can be reduced to £80 if the fine is paid within 14 days. 

The ULEZ fee effects:

• Diesel cars and vans that don’t meet Euro 6 standard
• Petrol cars and vans that don’t meet Euro 4 standard 
• Scooters, mopeds, and motorbikes that don’t meet Euro 3 Standard 

How do I pay the fee for the ULEZ?

You can easily pay by phone, online, via the official app, or sign up for the automatic scheme Auto Pay. 

Which scooters, mopeds, and motorcycles are exempt from ULEZ?

If you own a scooter, moped or motorbike that meets the Euro 3 standard or was manufactured after July 2007, it’s likely that you won’t be required to pay the fee. 

There are other exceptions, too. TFL has outlined that all electric scooters, mopeds and motorcycles are exempt from ULEZ as they do not emit harmful pollutants into the air as diesel and petrol vehicles do. Any bikes that are over 40 years old or registered with the resident’s Congestion Charge discount will also not be changed. 

How can I check if my bike is excluded from ULEZ?

You can arrange a ULEZ scooter, moped, or motorcycle check through an official testing station. Alternatively, you see if your vehicle complies here through TFL’s online system. 

How does the ULEZ system know when to charge fees? 

Across the zone and its entry points, there are a number of cameras positioned to automatically read number plates and cross-reference registrations with DVLA records. For most vehicles, such as cars and vans, this sends details of your vehicle’s NOx emissions, while the charge for vehicles such as motorbikes is determined by the date of registration. 

Are there any ways to avoid the ULEZ charge?

If you are someone who commutes to work within the zone 5 days a week, you could potentially be paying around £3000 per year in ULEZ fees. This is a staggering amount, but luckily there are a few available options you can choose to eliminate any existing and future emissions-based fees.

These include:

• Upgrading to a second-hand vehicle that meets ULEZ standards.
• Walking or cycling to your location wherever possible, or using public transport.
• Alternatively, you can swap out your current petrol bike for an electric moped or motorbike, which can also save you money on fuel costs. For example, if you are riding an average of 5 days and 100 miles a week into London, or around 20 miles per day, you can expect a cost difference of: 

To give you an idea of how this pans out over a year of daily commuting or riding within the ULEZ zone. 

With a purchase price of £1,916, our NIU M+ Series moped would have paid for itself in savings in just 7 months, and that’s without yearly savings such as no tax and reduced maintenance and servicing.

With speed capabilities ranging from 28mph to 62mph, and standard ranges starting from up to 50 miles, it’s also great to know that all of our electric motorbikes and mopeds here at Urban Bikes have a 20% Government discount applied. 

Looking to avoid ULEZ fees? Trade in your petrol scooter and upgrade to an eScooter, eMoped, or eMotorbike  and start saving on ULEZ fees today!