Local leaders to be given new powers to stop “nuisance e-bike parking”

Under the new plans, local leaders will be able to license e-bike schemes in their area, allowing them to enforce minimum standards and “better integrate e-bikes into existing transport networks”.

The shared cycle scheme consultation sets out proposed national standards to make journeys safer and keep pavements clear, particularly for wheelchair users and families with prams.

Measures include:

• a parking plan;
• a plan for antisocial and illegal behaviour – to prevent users riding shared cycles drunk, underage, or on pavements, and setting out clear consequences such as fines for this behaviour;
• fleet management plans, defined fleet sizes and operating areas – so bikes are not overcrowding streets;
• a fleet maintenance plan – so that cycles are always safe to use;
• potential insurance requirements for operators so people can claim compensation if they are hit by someone on a shared cycle.

The Government is also consulting on whether local leaders should have extra powers, including setting fees and requiring operators to share data to improve enforcement and journey planning.

In London, the Government noted that to avoid different standards being implemented and enforced in different boroughs, the Transport Secretary is working with the Mayor and Transport for London (TfL) on devolving new powers to TfL to ensure the rules are enforced across the capital.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Shared e-bike schemes have revolutionised the way people travel around our towns and cities. They are easy to use, get us active and help reduce emissions, but we need to make sure they work with the communities where they operate.

“That’s why we are taking decisive action to give local leaders the power to stop nuisance parking, tackle antisocial behaviour and make journeys safer.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The ‘wild west’ approach to dockless e-bikes cannot continue. While these services are helping thousands more Londoners to cycle, their rapid growth has also brought challenges around safety, inconsiderate parking and the lack of data needed to properly manage them.

“I’ve been calling for powers to better manage dockless e-bike schemes since 2017, when the first schemes arrived in London, so I welcome the government’s plans to give cities the powers they need to do this. For too long, cities have been left without the tools needed to properly manage these services, despite clear evidence that the current approach is not working.

“I’m pleased to see the Department for Transport setting clear standards and empowering local leaders to better support vital growth in sustainable travel so we can keep building a safer, fairer, greener London for everyone.”

Lottie Winson