National standards sought to address E-bike parking and rider behavior

The consultation will cover issues such as designated parking zones, penalties for illegal riding (including running red lights and underage or intoxicated use), and fleet size limitations. It will also explore requirements for operator insurance to facilitate compensation claims for those injured by riders.

Furthermore, the government is considering granting councils and mayors greater authority over rental fees and mandating data sharing between companies to improve enforcement and inform transport planning. Shared e-bike systems, particularly Lime, have seen rapid growth since their introduction in 2018, with an estimated 2.6 million Britons utilizing them by September 2025.

Evidence suggests these services appeal to a broader demographic than traditional bikes, partly due to electric assistance and the convenience of not needing secure parking. The DfT acknowledges the growing importance of e-bikes for urban transport but emphasizes the need for oversight, noting that companies themselves have requested more regulation.

Andy Burnham described the proposed changes as “a small but important everyday fix to make our streets safer.” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak added, “I want to sort that by giving communities more control over where they are parked and making sure companies and riders play by the rules.” Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated, “Shared e-bike schemes have revolutionised the way people travel… but we need to make sure they work with the communities where they operate.”

In London, parallel efforts are underway to devolve regulatory power to Mayor Sadiq Khan and Transport for London, unifying rules currently managed by individual boroughs. Khan, who has advocated for greater control since 2017, stated, “The ‘wild west’ approach to dockless e-bikes cannot continue.”