Government launches consultation on national e-bike standards

Summarised from 6 outlets · 7 reports · Updated 5 Nov, 10:21 · Archive

The Department for Transport is consulting on national standards for shared e-bike schemes to tackle poorly parked bikes and dangerous riding.

The Department for Transport is launching a consultation to establish national standards for shared e-bike schemes operating across the UK. Currently, rules vary between councils and individual agreements with bike companies such as Lime, Voi and Forest, creating inconsistent enforcement. The consultation will address parking standards, fleet sizes, insurance requirements and powers for local authorities to licence and regulate schemes in their areas.

Ministry plans focus on two main concerns: poorly parked dockless bikes blocking pavements and dangerous riding behaviour. Shared bikes left on pavements pose particular difficulties for wheelchair users, people with pushchairs and those with impaired vision. According to the Greater London Authority, 37 million trips were taken on dockless e-bikes in London last year, a third more than the previous year.

The proposals include potential on-the-spot fines for cyclists jumping red lights, riding while drunk or underage, and riding on pavements. Operators could be required to obtain insurance so people hit by riders on hired bikes can claim compensation. Local authorities would gain powers to set parking requirements and manage fleet sizes to prevent overcrowding.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the schemes 'have revolutionised the way people travel' but must 'work with the communities where they operate'. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: 'E-bikes can make getting around that bit easier, but when they block pavements or are used irresponsibly they can be a real frustration.' The consultation will also examine whether councils and mayors should control the fees companies charge for rentals and whether operators should share data to improve enforcement.

How it is being reported

• Government vows to end e-bikes 'wild west': What does it mean for riders and operators?London councils would be given new powers to issue penalties for anti-social ridersEvening Standard · 5 Nov, 12:35
• Government to crack down on ‘wild west’ e-bike parkingThe Department for Transport has opened a consultation on setting new regulations for e-bike providersThe Independent · 5 Nov, 11:32
• Drunk and dangerous e-bike riders face on-the-spot fines under crackdownA consultation will consider fines and other ways to clamp down on dangerous e-bike riders.BBC Business · 5 Nov, 10:04
• Drunk London e-bike cyclists face fines in Government crackdown on bikes 'Wild West'London councils would be given new powers to issue penalties for anti-social ridersEvening Standard · 5 Nov, 09:37
• 'Wild west' e-bike parking targeted - with possibility of locally set feesThe government is seeking to end "wild west" e-bike parking and crack down on antisocial behaviour, such as riding on pavements.Sky News · 5 Nov, 09:14
• 'Wild west’ of e-bikes blocking pavements and running red lights faces new crackdownA new Department for Transport consultation aims to bring in national standards on issues including parking, as well as stronger rules on illegal riding of e-bikesThe Mirror · 5 Nov, 09:06
• Ministers to target ‘wild west’ of e-bikes blocking pavementsExclusive: Consultation led by Department for Transport will consider parking standards, fleet sizes and insurance requirements Ministers are seeking to end the “wild west” of parked e-bikes blocking pavements, as they attempt to crack down on antisocial behaviour such as cyclists jumping red lights. The consultation, led by the Department for Transport, will aim to establish national standards on issues including parking, ending the current patchwork of agreements between individual bike companies and councils. Continue reading...The Guardian · 5 Nov, 07:00

In this story: Department for Transport · Lime · Voi · Forest · Heidi Alexander · Andy Burnham · London

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