Councils could be given new powers to regulate shared electric bike schemes, tackle antisocial riding and prevent bikes from blocking pavements under government proposals announced today (5 November).
The Department for Transport has launched a consultation on national standards for shared e-bike schemes, including those operated by companies such as Lime, Dott, Voi, Beryl and Bolt.
Under the proposals, local authorities would be able to license operators and impose conditions on how schemes are run, including where bikes can be parked, how many can operate in an area and what action should be taken against irresponsible users.
The measures are intended to address concerns about rental bikes being left on pavements, obstructing pedestrians, wheelchair users and people with pushchairs.
Operators could be required to produce parking plans setting out how bikes would be managed to prevent obstruction.
They would also need plans to address antisocial and illegal behaviour, including riding on pavements, cycling while drunk and underage use. These would have to include consequences for breaches, potentially including fines.
Other proposed requirements include limits on fleet sizes, defined operating areas and maintenance arrangements to ensure bikes remain safe to use.
The government is also considering whether operators should be required to hold insurance so that people injured in collisions involving shared bikes can claim compensation.
Further powers being considered include allowing local authorities to charge operators fees and require them to share data to support enforcement and transport planning.
The proposals would give councils greater control over schemes operating in their areas, rather than relying on separate arrangements with individual companies.
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 charity Guide Dogs has welcomed the consultation, highlighting the difficulties caused by rental bikes left across pavements.
Eleanor Briggs, the charity’s head of policy, public affairs and campaigns, said: “For people with sight loss, badly parked rental e-bikes are a barrier to independent travel, blocking pavements, creating unexpected obstacles and making it harder to navigate safely.”
She said the charity also regularly received reports of irresponsible e-bike use on pavements, putting pedestrians at risk.
The government says operators have also called for clearer national regulation to replace differing local arrangements.
The measures remain proposals and will be considered following the consultation. No new licensing requirements have yet been introduced as a result of the announcement.
Wayne Ting, Chief Executive Officer at Lime, said:
“As the UK’s largest shared e-bike operator, we’re proud to have helped hundreds of thousands of people in the UK become regular cyclists – to the point that “Liming” has become a verb. Millions of people now choose Lime to get to work, meet friends, run errands, and more, making travel in cities across the UK easier, more affordable and less dependent on cars.
“Lime’s unmatched experience in working with cities to build and grow UK e-bike schemes means we know what it takes to make shared cycling work at scale. It’s why we recognise the current patchwork approach is confusing for riders, councils, and operators, all of whom deserve greater clarity and certainty.
“Today’s consultation is an important step forward. We look forward to working with Government and local authorities to help deliver schemes that work for riders, operators, and everyone in the communities we serve, all for a greener and more connected UK.”
