Sadiq Khan urged to end London’s e-bike ‘patchwork’

Sadiq Khan is being urged to expedite the rollout of a unified e-bike licensing system across London, as the capital's e-bike operators warn of the dangers of a regulatory "patchwork." In a letter to the mayor, seen by City AM, e-bike operator Forest expressed concerns that delays to Transport for London's (TfL) new licensing regime were jeopardizing the sustainability and competitiveness of the market.

Forest cited the collapse of Zipcar in London as a cautionary tale of what could happen when commercial conditions become unsustainable due to inconsistent regulation and increasing enforcement costs. The letter was also signed by the London Cycling Campaign, Bikeability Trust, Labour Walks and Cycles, Pedal Me, Soho Business Alliance and London Clean Air Initiative, highlighting the growing friction between London's town halls and e-bike operators.

City AM reported that some boroughs have sharply increased the cost of operating e-bike schemes, with fees in some cases rising by up to 1,510% since 2022. Operators face significant expenses, including permit and compliance costs, enforcement fines, and demands to share ride revenue or fund discounted fares. London Councils has defended the fee structure, arguing it is necessary to fund parking infrastructure and council officers.

However, the mayor's office stated that the government's plans to give cities greater control over dockless e-bike schemes, which have been in development since 2017, would soon bring about much-needed controls. The government has now granted TfL the authority to establish a single licensing framework, replacing the current fragmented agreements between operators and boroughs.

Forest welcomed the legislation but insisted that Mayor Khan should direct TfL to publish a clear timeline for its implementation. The micromobility company currently operates in 20 London boroughs and records over 2 million rides per month.