Ministers to target ‘wild west’ of e-bikes blocking pavements

The Department for Transport is launching a consultation to tackle the "wild west" of e-bikes blocking pavements. The crackdown aims to address antisocial behavior, such as cyclists jumping red lights and bikes being used by underage or intoxicated individuals. The consultation will explore national parking standards, fleet sizes, and insurance requirements for e-bike operators.

Currently, there is a patchwork of rules across different areas, with some enforcing strict parking regulations and others having looser guidelines. This inconsistency has led to complaints about e-bikes obstructing pavements, especially for those with mobility challenges. The consultation will also consider guidelines for fleet sizes to prevent overcrowding and potential insurance requirements for rented e-bikes.

Shared e-bike systems have seen rapid growth since their introduction in the UK in 2018, with over 2.6 million Britons using these schemes in the year to September 2025. The Department for Transport believes that while e-bikes are beneficial for urban transport, the lack of central oversight has created difficulties. Prime Minister and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander have emphasized the need for local control over e-bike parking and responsible usage to ensure safer streets.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also called for greater powers to manage e-bike regulations, as the current "wild west" approach has led to safety concerns and data gaps for effective management.