Foodora's Delay in Phasing Out Gasoline Mopeds Sparks Environmental and Health Concerns in Stockholm

Foodora announced in October 2023 a goal to phase out all two-stroke gasoline-powered mopeds by 2024, targeting 100% fossil-free deliveries by 2027. However, recent observations in Stockholm show this transition remains incomplete. In a two-hour survey at a busy intersection, 80% of food delivery vehicles were found to be gasoline-powered mopeds, with Foodora not disclosing how many mopeds in their fleet are still two-stroke models.

Two-stroke mopeds have been identified by environmental research as "super dirty," contributing significantly to air pollution and noise disturbances affecting riders and nearby pedestrians and cyclists. Foodora’s 2023 sustainability report acknowledged their inefficiency and environmental harm. Logistics manager Daniel Gustafsson Raba highlighted that switching to electric bicycles and mopeds could substantially reduce environmental impact and noise in urban areas.

Foodora claims to have invested in electric mopeds, which are available free of charge to couriers in several cities, and plans to double the electric moped numbers in Stockholm. In contrast, competitors Uber Eats and Wolt have less ambitious targets: Uber Eats aims for zero-emission deliveries in major European cities by 2030 but lacks data on vehicle types in Sweden, while Wolt reported 1,000 of its 3,000 Swedish couriers use mopeds but has no policy banning two-stroke mopeds.

Delivery workers, or "matbud," cite multiple reasons for continuing to use gasoline mopeds, including economic pressures, the need to work in winter conditions, and the allowance of gasoline mopeds on bike lanes that electric bicycles cannot use. These workers remain the most exposed to harmful exhaust fumes, posing health risks.

Environmental experts criticize delivery companies for not enforcing electric vehicle use through contracts, instead relying on couriers’ discretionary choice of vehicles. Political voices, including the Green Party and health professionals, urge a ban on gasoline mopeds from bike lanes. Meanwhile, the European Union is investigating options to reduce pollution and noise from mopeds and scooters to improve urban air quality.

The current status reflects a complex challenge: while Foodora is engaged in efforts to green its fleet, gasoline-powered mopeds remain prevalent due to operational, economic, and regulatory factors, underscoring ongoing environmental and health concerns in Stockholm's food delivery sector.