The Labour Party is set to introduce a crackdown on rental e-bikes, establishing a new licensing regime to combat what is described as "wild west" riding on British streets. The measures aim to curb issues such as bikes being left haphazardly on pavements, ridden on sidewalks, and used to disregard traffic signals, amidst a surge in public complaints.
While the proposed regulations will introduce a new fines system for offenses like drunk riding, pavement riding, and running red lights, they will stop short of an outright ban on the devices. This approach may disappoint victims' families and campaigners who have called for stricter controls.
The initial crackdown will focus on rental e-bikes, with government sources indicating a separate initiative to address privately-owned devices is planned for the coming months. Police forces have reported an 83% increase in e-bike seizures over the past year, from 3,858 to 7,049 in the 12 months leading up to May.
Privately-owned e-bikes have been identified by Members of Parliament as a tool for criminal activity, including phone theft and drug dealing. The proliferation of rental e-bikes has also led to widespread complaints about blocked pathways, impacting elderly individuals, disabled people, and parents with prams. Users of rental e-bikes, who operate them via apps, have also been observed riding erratically.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced that a consultation on the issue will begin soon. "Let's be honest, too many places are now like the wild west when it comes to dockless hire bikes," Alexander stated. "[Daily Mail] readers will have seen them strewn across pavements, dumped in rivers, and left in front gardens in a haphazard and sometimes dangerous manner. Am I saying we do away with the lot? Of course not. But we need to bring some order to the current chaos."
The proposed regulations require users to park rental e-bikes in designated zones to prevent pavement obstruction. Eleanor Briggs of the charity Guide Dogs commented on the move, stating that the organization frequently hears from visually impaired individuals about the risks posed by irresponsible e-bike use on pavements.