All non-folding e-bikes will be banned on London Tube and trains from the end of the month because they keep catching fire.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced the move after a series of blazes sparked by the cycles on the capital’s transport network.
The train drivers union Aslef welcomed the move after pressing for a ban on safety grounds.
The fire was put out by crews from London Fire Brigade.
In a similar event in March 2024 an e-bike burst into flames at rush hour on the platform at Sutton Station in south London.
Smoke emerged from the two-wheeler before flames appeared, forcing people sitting on a bench nearby to hurry away.
Mr Khan said: ‘The safety of Londoners is my top priority and, while most e-bikes are safe, there have been a small number of incidents where non-foldable e-bikes have caught fire on the transport system, which have caused me great concern.
All non-folding e-bikes will be banned on London Tube and rail services from the end of the month because they keep catching fire. Pictured: An e-bike exploded at Sutton train station during rush hour on 21 March last year
During the 2024 Sutton fire, smoke emerged from the two-wheeler before flames appeared, forcing people sitting on a bench nearby to hurry away
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: ‘There have been a small number of incidents where non-foldable e-bikes have caught fire on the transport system, which have caused me great concern.’
‘This is why, following a comprehensive review of the safety of e-bikes, TfL is banning all non-folding e-bikes on Tube and rail services.
‘I have asked TfL to continue to work with government and partners to improve e-bike safety as we build a safer London for everyone.’
TfL said in a statement: ‘To ensure the safety of the network for customers and staff, customers in possession of non-foldable e-bikes will not be permitted to travel on most TfL services, including on the Tube, Overground, Elizabeth line and DLR.
‘I have asked TfL to continue to work with government and partners to improve e-bike safety as we build a safer London for everyone.’
‘The ban includes all non-folding e-bikes, including standard cycles that have been converted to e-bikes using conversion kits.’
Finn Brennan, Aslef’s organiser on London Underground, said: ‘We welcome the announcement by TfL that non-folding e-bikes are to be banned from its services.
‘This is something that Aslef’s health and safety reps have long campaigned for.
‘It will reduce the risk of a serious accident, and the dangers caused by large numbers of unfolded e-bikes blocking exits in emergencies.
‘We are pleased that TfL have listened to our concerns and acted on them.’
E-bikes and e-scooters are powered by lithium batteries, which store a significant amount of energy in a very small space and are more powerful than other types of batteries.
If that energy is released in an uncontrolled way, then a fire or explosion may result.
If there is overheating, crushing, penetrating or overcharging, then a fault can occur within damaged battery cells which may cause the battery to catch fire and/or explode.
London Fire Brigade deputy commissioner for prevention, protection and policy, Charlie Pugsley, said: ‘We welcome this move by Transport for London following their detailed safety review, as it acknowledges the risks that we know e-bike batteries can pose.
‘While we recognise the sustainable benefits e-bikes, and micromobility generally, bring to our city, the reality is that across London we have been seeing an e-bike or e-scooter fire every other day, on average, and we have particular concern about the risk posed by conversion kits or modified e-bikes.’