‘Wild west’ of e-bikes blocking pavements and operating pink lights faces new crackdown
A 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-bikes
Lime bikes could soon stop being scattered across pavements(Image: In Pictures via Getty Images)
Ministers have moved to end the “wild west” of e-bikes blocking pavements and cyclists running red lights.
A new Department for Transport consultation aims to bring in national standards on issues including parking, as well as stronger rules on illegal riding.
This could see a fresh crackdown and fines for people jumping lights on e-bikes or using them if underage or drunk.
While some areas already enforce rules on shared bikes, in others the rules are looser, which can lead to bikes lining the pavement, causing problems particularly for wheelchair users, people with pushchairs and those with impaired vision.
The plans will also look at fleet sizes to ensure areas are not too crowded, and could even see operators required to have insurance, allowing anyone hit by a hired e-bike to claim compensation.
PM 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.
“I want to sort that by giving communities more control over where they are parked and making sure companies and riders play by the rules.”
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said: “Shared e-bike schemes have revolutionised the way people travel around our towns and cities. They are easy to use, get us active and help reduce emissions, but we need to make sure they work with the communities where they operate.
“That’s why we are taking decisive action to give local leaders the power to stop nuisance parking, tackle antisocial behaviour and make journeys safer.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The ‘Wild West’ approach to dockless e-bikes cannot continue. While these services are helping thousands more Londoners to cycle, their rapid growth has also brought challenges around safety, inconsiderate parking, and the lack of data needed to properly manage them.
“I’ve been calling for powers to better manage dockless e-bike schemes since 2017, when the first schemes arrived in London, so I welcome the Government’s plans to give cities the powers they need to do this. For too long, cities have been left without the tools needed to properly manage these services, despite clear evidence that the current approach is not working.”
The plans were welcomed by e-bike operator Lime. Wayne Ting, Chief Executive Officer at Lime, said: “Lime’s unmatched experience in working with cities to build and grow UK e-bike schemes means we know what it takes to make shared cycling work at scale. It’s why we recognise the current patchwork approach is confusing for riders, councils, and operators, all of whom deserve greater clarity and certainty.
“Today’s consultation is an important step forward. We look forward to working with Government and local authorities to help deliver schemes that work for riders, operators, and everyone in the communities we serve, all for a greener and more connected UK.”
