The Labour Party is set to introduce a series of measures aimed at regulating e-bikes on British streets, stopping short of a complete ban. The proposed plan includes a new licensing regime designed to address concerns about "wild west" riding and the improper disposal of rental e-bikes.
Under the proposed regulations, stricter standards will be enforced for local authorities, alongside a new fines system for users engaging in illegal activities. These include riding under the influence, using pavements, running red lights, and other traffic violations. The measures also aim to prevent rental e-bikes from being left indiscriminately on pavements, a common complaint from pedestrian advocates.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that while a ban is not being considered, "tougher action" is necessary to manage the current chaos. "Let's be honest, too many places are now like the wild west when it comes to dockless hire bikes," she said, referencing issues such as bikes being dumped "on pavements, in rivers, and left in front gardens in a haphazard and sometimes dangerous manner."
Despite the announcement, the proposed crackdown will initially only apply to rental e-bikes. Privately-owned e-bikes, which some Members of Parliament have identified as being used in criminal activities such as phone theft and drug dealing, will be subject to a separate regulatory effort in the coming months. Police forces have reported an 83 percent increase in e-bike seizures in the year leading up to May, with numbers rising from 3,858 to 7,049.
Campaigners for pedestrian safety have welcomed the move, with Eleanor Briggs of the charity Guide Dogs noting that the organization frequently hears from visually impaired individuals about the risks posed by irresponsible e-bike use on pavements. The announcement will be accompanied by a public consultation on the issue.
