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.
In short: don’t look the other way—start preparing for the switch now. Below, you’ll learn how zero-emission zones work, which cities are participating, and how to figure out if a cargo bike can replace your delivery van.
What exactly is a zero-emission zone, and when does it apply?
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.
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.
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 show the current status by ZIP code.
Which cities will have a zero-emission zone in 2026?
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.
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.
| Region | Frequently Mentioned Cities with ZE Zones | Status (indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Randstad | Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht | Implemented / Announced |
| North & East | Groningen, Zwolle, Apeldoorn, Enschede | Announced |
| South & Central | Eindhoven, Tilburg, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Maastricht, Nijmegen, Arnhem | Announced |
| West | Haarlem, Leiden, Delft | Announced |
“We’ve noticed that business owners are particularly concerned about the moment when they’ll have to replace their old van,” says the B2B team at STOER Bikes. “Those who are already using cargo bikes for some of their trips won’t be affected by that deadline.”
How do you know if a cargo bike can replace your delivery van?
Calculate which trips fall within the range and payload capacity of a cargo bike. The CargoX can carry 100 kg in its cargo box (100×70 cm), accelerates smoothly with 92 Nm of torque, and has a range of up to 80 km per battery charge. That’s more than enough for many inner-city trips.
Follow this short step-by-step guide to determine what you can transfer:
- For one week, write down your trips: distance, weight, and number of stops.
- Select all trips that are within approximately 15 km one way and have a load of less than 100 kg.
- Schedule charging times around your regular stops so that the battery recharges in between.
- Calculate the savings in parking and fuel costs per trip converted.
Want to dive deeper into the practical aspects? Then read our comprehensive guide on Which trips can you skip by using a cargo bike? and how to plan your charging times wisely.
How much does it cost to wait versus switching now?
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.
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 before you order a new bus.
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.
Which sectors stand to benefit the most from the transition?
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.
- Last-mile delivery: No parking hassles and direct access to the ZE zone.
- Hospitality and Catering: Heated or chilled deliveries of up to 100 kg in the container.
- Installers and maintenance: Bring your tools and materials with you, even through narrow streets.
- Facilities: service and cleaning runs throughout the city center.
Not sure which setup is right for your industry? Get in touch For B2B advice or to ask a question right away operational lease for CargoX Business.
Here's how to prepare your business, step by step
Start by asking yourself which trips you can already make emission-free. Next, determine whether buying or leasing better suits your cash flow, and schedule a test drive with a real load to test stability and range.
A realistic test drive helps avoid surprises later on. On our page about the CargoX Business you'll find all the specifications, and through the full range of bicycles Compare the models side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zero-Emission Zones in 2026
When does the zero-emission zone take effect in my city?
The national agreement took effect on January 1, 2025, with transitional rules in place until 2028 and 2030 for existing vehicles. More cities are expected to join in 2026. The exact date varies by municipality, so always check the Dutch government’s search tool or your own municipality’s website.
Are cargo bikes allowed in the zero-emission zone?
Yes. Zero-emission zones apply to delivery vans and trucks, but not to bicycles. An emission-free electric cargo bike like the CargoX is always allowed in the zone, even with stricter enforcement. This allows you to immediately avoid the access restrictions that do apply to your delivery van.
How much can I carry with a commercial cargo bike?
The CargoX can carry 100 kg in its cargo bed, which measures 100×70 cm. With 92 Nm of torque, it accelerates smoothly even when fully loaded and offers a range of up to 80 km per charge. That’s more than enough for most inner-city delivery and service trips.
Can I lease a commercial cargo bike instead of buying one?
Yes, STOER offers operational leases for self-employed professionals and businesses. This allows you to spread out the investment and replace an expensive delivery van without having to make a large one-time purchase. Apply for a lease or contact us for a customized quote for your urban logistics needs.
Where can I find the official rules for each city?
The most up-to-date overview is available on the Dutch government’s website and at opzoekgeenzone.nl, where you can search by ZIP code. Since municipalities plan their own implementation, you should always check the final date and zone boundaries with your own municipality.
Do you want to make sure a cargo bike is right for your trips and cargo? Schedule a test drive and test the CargoX Business under realistic conditions with your own belongings, so you can continue driving into the zone fully prepared.
Sources: Dutch Government, zero-emission zones (2025); RVO, Information for Entrepreneurs (2025).
