{"id":11188,"date":"2026-09-06T16:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-06T14:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stoerbikes.com\/nl\/?p=11188"},"modified":"2026-09-17T09:28:40","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T07:28:40","slug":"zero-emission-zones-2026-overview-of-cities-for-entrepreneurs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stoerbikes.com\/en\/zero-emissiezones-2026-overzicht-steden-voor-ondernemers\/","title":{"rendered":"Zero-Emission Zones 2026: Overview of Cities for Business Owners"},"content":{"rendered":"

The first Dutch zero-emission zones went into effect on January 1, 2025, and more cities are expected to join in 2026. In these zones, new polluting delivery vans and trucks will no longer be allowed to enter the city center. An emission-free cargo bike like the CargoX Business will then be a direct, legal solution for your urban logistics.<\/p>\n

In short: don\u2019t look the other way\u2014start preparing for the switch now. Below, you\u2019ll learn how zero-emission zones work, which cities are participating, and how to figure out if a cargo bike can replace your delivery van.<\/p>\n

What exactly is a zero-emission zone, and when does it apply?<\/h2>\n

A zero-emission zone (ZE zone) is a designated area of the city center where commercial vehicles must operate with zero emissions. The rules apply to delivery vans and trucks, but not to regular passenger cars. Bicycles, cargo bikes, and e-bikes are always allowed in the zone.<\/p>\n

The nationwide agreement took effect on January 1, 2025, with generous transition periods extending through 2028 and even 2030 for existing vehicles. New, high-emission delivery vans purchased after the effective date will be immediately barred from most zones.<\/p>\n

For the exact start date and the precise zone boundaries in your city, always check the official source, because municipalities plan their own implementation and enforcement. The national overview from the national government and the search tool On \"Search\" No Zone<\/a> show the current status by ZIP code.<\/p>\n

Which cities will have a zero-emission zone in 2026?<\/h2>\n

Approximately 14 to 17 municipalities have announced or implemented a zero-emission zone, with the first zones set to go into effect in early 2025. The cities that have made announcements include major municipalities and a number of medium-sized cities. Please treat this as a guideline, not as a definitive fact for every street.<\/p>\n

The table below provides an indicative overview of frequently mentioned cities. Always check the final dates and boundaries with your local municipality, as schedules may have been adjusted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Region<\/th>\nFrequently Mentioned Cities with ZE Zones<\/th>\nStatus (indicative)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Randstad<\/td>\nAmsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht<\/td>\nImplemented \/ Announced<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
North & East<\/td>\nGroningen, Zwolle, Apeldoorn, Enschede<\/td>\nAnnounced<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
South & Central<\/td>\nEindhoven, Tilburg, \u2018s-Hertogenbosch, Maastricht, Nijmegen, Arnhem<\/td>\nAnnounced<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
West<\/td>\nHaarlem, Leiden, Delft<\/td>\nAnnounced<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve noticed that business owners are particularly concerned about the moment when they\u2019ll have to replace their old van,\u201d says the B2B team at STOER Bikes. \u201cThose who are already using cargo bikes for some of their trips won\u2019t be affected by that deadline.\u201d<\/p>\n

How do you know if a cargo bike can replace your delivery van?<\/h2>\n

Calculate which trips fall within the range and payload capacity of a cargo bike. The CargoX can carry 100 kg in its cargo box (100\u00d770 cm), accelerates smoothly with 92 Nm of torque, and has a range of up to 80 km per battery charge. That\u2019s more than enough for many inner-city trips.<\/p>\n

Follow this short step-by-step guide to determine what you can transfer:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. For one week, write down your trips: distance, weight, and number of stops.<\/li>\n
  2. Select all trips that are within approximately 15 km one way and have a load of less than 100 kg.<\/li>\n
  3. Schedule charging times around your regular stops so that the battery recharges in between.<\/li>\n
  4. Calculate the savings in parking and fuel costs per trip converted.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Want to dive deeper into the practical aspects? Then read our comprehensive guide on Which trips can you skip by using a cargo bike?<\/a> and how to plan your charging times wisely.<\/p>\n

    How much does it cost to wait versus switching now?<\/h2>\n

    Waiting until your bus is no longer allowed in the zone often means being forced to make an expensive last-minute purchase. Switching early spreads out the investment and immediately saves you money on parking, fuel, and maintenance.<\/p>\n

    A zero-emission cargo bike also offers tax and operational advantages over a delivery van. Find out which ones Expenses You Can Save on With a Commercial Cargo Bike<\/a> before you order a new bus.<\/p>\n

    The CargoX Business was developed and manufactured in the Netherlands, is CE-certified, and is equipped with a low-maintenance Gates CDX belt drive and Tektro hydraulic brakes. This allows you to combine a professional look with low operating costs. You can purchase the bike or lease it through an operational lease.<\/p>\n

    Which sectors stand to benefit the most from the transition?<\/h2>\n

    Companies with a high volume of short inner-city trips will see the fastest returns. Examples include delivery services, restaurants and bars, contractors, and facility management companies that make multiple stops in the city center every day.<\/p>\n