TfL bans e-scooters, e-unicycles, and non-foldable e-bikes
Transport for London (TfL) has banned non-foldable e-bikes, e-unicycles, and e-scooters across its network, with the ban coming into effect on March 31st. TfL becomes the first UK authority to ban e-mobility vehicles on its services.
TfL has come to the decision having worked closely with London Fire Bridgade (LFB) and other partners to review safety of e-bikes and their suitability for transportation on the TfL network. They recognise the majority of e-bikes are safe, but a small number of incidents of fires on the transport system has spurred this decision.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “The safety of Londoners is my top priority and, while most e-bikes are safe, there have been a small number of incidents where non-foldable e-bikes have caught fire on the transport system, which have caused me great concern.
Khan added: “This is why, following a comprehensive review of the safety of e-bikes, TfL is banning all non-folding e-bikes on tube and rail services. I have asked TfL to continue to work with Government and partners to improve e-bike safety as we build a safer London for everyone.”
To ensure the safety of all passengers, non-folding e-bikes will be banned on the Tube, Overground, Elizabeth line, and DLR. The ban includes standard bikes that have been adapted into e-bikes using conversation kits.
Analysis has led TfL to determine cycles that have been adapted into e-bikes poses a greater risk of fire compared to purpose-built e-bikes, however, the ban recognises the difficulty of recognising the difference between purpose built e-bikes or adapted e-bikes.
Lilli Matson, TfL’s chief safety, health and environment officer, said: “Our priority is always the safety of our customers and colleagues. We have been working closely with the London Fire Brigade on a review of the safety risks associated with e-bikes on our network and following this review, we will be putting this safety ban in place from 31 March 2025. Customers with non-foldable e-bikes will not be permitted to use our tube and rail services. This safety ban will play a vital role in keeping our transport system safe for everyone, and we continue to work with partners in government and beyond to improve e-bike safety.”
Until improved product safety measures are implemented for converted cycles, batteries, and chargers, a ban is needed across the board. TfL and LFB will continue to work with the Government to find safer solutions for electric cycles.
Due to foldable cycles specific shape, size, and mechanical constrains, it is more difficult to convert these bikes into e-bikes. With TfL unaware of any reports of foldable e-bike fires in London, TfL has decided not to ban foldable e-bikes.
Non-foldable e-bikes had already been banned on buses or trams, with no e-bikes being allowed on the IFS Cloud Cable Car, this will not change. Non-foldable e-bikes will be allowed on the Woolwich Ferry, river service, coach service, dependant on operators, and on the Silvertown Tunnel Cycle Shuttle Service when it opens on April 7th. This is due to particular safety arrangements and operational environments.
Charlie Pugsley, London Fire Brigade deputy commissioner for prevention, protection and policy, said: ”We welcome this move by Transport for London following their detailed safety review, as it acknowledges the risks that we know e-bike batteries can pose.
Changes will be under review, as TfL recognises the importance of e-bikes and micro-mobility for Londoners and will make changes dependent on the Government changing safety standards.
Pugsley added: “While we recognise the sustainable benefits e-bikes, and micromobility generally, bring to our city, the reality is that across London we have been seeing an e-bike or e-scooter fire every other day, on average, and we have particular concern about the risk posed by conversion kits or modified e-bikes. When these fires occur, they can be sudden, incredibly ferocious and produce smoke that is extremely toxic.
Pugsley said: “As part of London Fire Brigade’s #ChargeSafe campaign, we have been raising awareness about the fire risks and educating Londoners on how they can store and charge their e-bikes safely. We are also working closely with the Government to improve the regulation around e-bikes and e-scooters. We hope this will reduce the risk of consumers being exposed to products like batteries and chargers that are more likely to malfunction because of the way they have been built, especially if they have been bought from an online marketplace or auction site where products may not meet safety standards.”
This news comes after TfL has removed 80% of funding for active travel in the capital.
