People riding e-bikes while drunk or dangerously—and those who run red lights—could face on-the-spot fines under proposed measures aimed at curbing anti-social behaviour.
Shared e-bike operators would also be expected to manage their fleets more effectively and provide designated parking areas to help keep pavements safe.
Operators could be required to carry insurance, allowing people injured in collisions involving shared bikes to claim compensation.
The proposals form part of a crackdown on what ministers have described as the “wild west” of e-biking, where inconsistent rules across the country can leave streets unsafe for pedestrians.
A consultation launched on Thursday sets out proposed national standards intended to make journeys safer for everyone and keep pavements clear, particularly for wheelchair users and families with prams.
The first e-bikes were launched in Exeter in 2016 and arrived in London a year later, eventually becoming a popular commuting option.
According to the Greater London Authority, 37 million trips were taken on dockless e-bikes last year—a third more than the previous year.
Shared e-bikes, such as those from Lime, Voi, Beryl, Dott, Forest and Bolt, make short journeys quick and convenient.
While some areas enforce rules requiring shared bikes to be left in specific places, others have looser rules.
Under the government’s proposals, local leaders would be able to licence schemes in their area, allowing them to enforce minimum standards and better integrate e-bikes into existing transport networks.
Potential measures could include requiring operators to have parking plans and manage fleet sizes and operating areas so bikes do not overcrowd streets.
The consultation would also consider ways to tackle anti-social and illegal behaviour, including preventing the use of shared cycles while drunk, underage or on pavements, with consequences such as fines.
It would also examine whether local leaders should receive additional powers, including setting fees and requirements for operators to share data to improve enforcement and journey planning.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the e-bike clampdown was a “small but important everyday fix” that would make streets safer.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the changes would “stop nuisance parking, tackle anti-social behaviour and make journeys safer”.
Bosses at Lime, Voi and Bolt welcomed the proposals, adding that consistent standards applied across the country would provide clarity and certainty for operators, riders and the general public.
