Mayor urges speedier e-bike regulation amid safety concerns
London's mayor wants a unified system for hire schemes, citing a rise in journeys and incidents.
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The central claim is attributed to the mayor and Voi vice president, with figures and a specific incident cited.
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The article clearly separates fact from comment, provides specific details, and explains the consequences for residents.
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London mayor, Lord Khan, has urged the government to accelerate the introduction of regulations for dockless e-bike schemes, stating that current rules are not anticipated until 2028. This delay comes as e-bike hire journeys in the capital increased by a third to 37 million in 2025, a trend that has also seen the City of London expecting to receive £455,360 this year from operators.
Calls for a Unified London Approach
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The ebike operator reported a third increase in sales and a significant rise in monthly users across England.
The mayor's office is pushing for a single, London-wide framework to standardise rules for e-bike schemes, which currently vary significantly between boroughs. Operators like Voi have described the current situation as confusing, with different regulations for parking and behaviour in each borough. Christina Moe Gjerde, vice president at Voi in Europe, stated that a lack of a clear, pan-London strategy means the city is missing an opportunity, calling the current situation a 'gold mine' that needs a defined vision.
Lord Khan has offered to work with the Department for Transport (DfT) to draft secondary legislation, aiming to allow London to implement its framework and begin consultations sooner. He expressed concern that further delays could occur if the government takes longer than expected to publish its own legislation. Key areas requiring attention include data sharing between operators and authorities, vehicle and rider safety standards, responsible behaviour, and effective enforcement to address issues like poorly parked bikes.
Safety Concerns and Incidents
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The growth in e-bike use has been accompanied by concerns over reckless riding, such as red-light jumping, and inconsiderate parking that obstructs pavements. A serious incident on 4 August 2023, where Jane Ouartsi suffered multiple fractures after being hit by a Lime e-bike in St Giles Square, central London, has intensified calls for regulation. The bike was reportedly ridden by a child, and Ms Ouartsi spent 36 days in hospital undergoing three operations. Lime stated the bike was stolen and outside their insurance liability.
Ms Ouartsi's partner, Dave Mathias, described feeling helpless and angry due to a perceived lack of accountability and support. He commented that people's lives can be irrevocably changed by unregulated services without consequence.
Government's Next Steps
A spokesperson for the DfT confirmed plans to launch a public consultation in the coming months. This consultation will inform new regulations and guidance for licensing hire schemes, aiming to bring greater consistency across towns and cities in England. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 previously granted the transport secretary powers to enable Transport for London (TfL) to establish a statutory framework for micro-mobility schemes, though the devolution of these powers is expected to take until at least 2028.
Questions this report answers
+When will new regulations for dockless e-bike schemes be introduced?
The mayor of London has stated that government regulations for dockless e-bike schemes are not expected until at least 2028. The Department for Transport plans to launch a public consultation in the coming months to inform new rules.
+How much has e-bike use increased in London?
E-bike hire journeys in London saw a significant increase, rising by a third to 37 million journeys in 2025. This growth highlights the increasing popularity of these schemes as a mode of transport in the capital.
+What are the main concerns regarding e-bike schemes?
Concerns include reckless riding, such as jumping red lights, and inconsiderate parking that obstructs pavements. There have also been injuries to riders and pedestrians, leading to calls for stronger safety standards and enforcement.
+How much revenue do e-bike operators generate for local authorities?
E-bike operators pay councils for the use of public space. For example, the City of London is expected to receive £455,360 this year from these operators, indicating a substantial financial component to the schemes.
WE FILE
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