Based on recent report released by Paris Scientists on air pollution levels – Two stroke scooters have been stated to be major contributors of air pollution levels. The problem is stated to more common in developing countries where strong laws banning the same are not strongly enforced. Study published by journal Nature Communications states that in congested city like Bangkok, the two stroke scooters act as super polluters that are single biggest source of roadside emission. The study states, “Cars and trucks, particularly diesel vehicles, are thought to be the main vehicular pollution sources. This needs re-thinking, as we show that elevated particulate matter levels can be a consequence of 'asymmetric pollution' from two-stroke scooters.”
Two-stroke scooters are powered by a mix of petrol and oil that churns out thousand times more toxic gases and fine particles that is proportionate to the amount of fuel that is burned. In terms of emission levels, it is considered to be more that heavy vehicles like trucks and buses. Andre Prevot, an atmospheric chemist at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Villigen, said, “The (benzene) emissions are huge. Thinking about being on a bike and breathing the emissions from an idling scooter in front at a traffic light is rather disturbing.”
Some scooters in Asia are stated to be three time more polluting than the one found in Europe. Furthermore, Prevot added, “Auto-rickshaws tested in India yielded five times more emissions on average than the European scooter.” In China, many cities have reportedly restricted and even banned in some places scooters since late 1990's. The report further stated, “Restrictions on two-stroke scooters, already implemented in China, could improve air quality in many cities around the globe.”
