Government vows to end e-bikes 'wild west': What does it mean for riders and operators?

London councils are set to gain new powers to fine drunk e-bike riders as part of a Government crackdown on anti-social behaviour involving hire bikes.The proposals form part of a wider push to tackle dangerous riding and poorly parked dockless e-bikes across the capital. Ever since hire bike schemes were introduced in 2017, badly parked cycles left strewn across pavements have been a persistent source of frustration for Londoners.Now, the Government wants to bring an end to the “wild west” of e-bike parking by giving councils greater control over how hire operators run their services.Speaking to the Standard, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the Government wants to give Transport for London (TfL) powers to introduce a London-wide licensing scheme for shared e-bike operators, replacing the differing rules currently in place across boroughs.“We’re giving power to Transport for London to set a London-wide licensing scheme because at the moment there are different rules for different boroughs and it can be confusing for people,” she explained. “We think shared e-bikes are a good thing. Personally, I love them, I think they’re quick and easy for people but we need to bring some order to it.”The consultation will consider how the new powers could be enforced, with local authorities able to set conditions for operators, including measures to tackle anti-social behaviour and irresponsible parking.If evidence arises that operators do not have robust plans in place to tackle dangerous e-riders, Ms Alexander said, operators risk losing their licence. Lime bikes parked on the side of a road in central LondonPAUnder the Crime and Policing Act 2026, which came into force in October, authorities have the power to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour, including restricting offenders from accessing certain areas.Read MoreThe legislation also increased the maximum fixed penalty notice for breaches of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) and Community Protection Notices (CPNs) from £100 to £500.But these measures do not specifically address dangerous or anti-social cycling.The Government's latest announcement is intended to go further, giving local licensing authorities additional powers to hold shared e-bike operators accountable for anti-social behaviour and irresponsible parking. It remains to be seen, though, how these powers will work in practice and what enforcement measures will be put in place.Under proposals set out by the Department for Transport (DfT), boroughs would be able to introduce minimum standards that e-bike companies including Lime, Forest and Voi would have to meet. Councils could also be given powers to set out penalties for riders caught cycling under the influence, riding on pavements or using hire bikes when underage. This includes issuing fines to people caught breaking the rules. Lime e-scooters and e-bikes in central LondonRoss LydallThe proposals would also allow boroughs to draw up fleet management plans, giving them greater control over the number of hire bikes operating in their area and where they can be deployed. The aim would be to prevent streets becoming overcrowded with hire bikes while ensuring operators maintain safe and properly managed fleets.But, Ms Alexander said legislation could only go so far in tackling dangerous individual behaviour, pointing to the demands on police resources and the need for cyclists to take personal responsibility.“We can’t legislate idiots,” she said. “If you're jumping red lights and you're using a bike, any type of bike, when you've drunk alcohol, you're not only presenting a danger to yourself, you're presenting a danger to other road users.“It will be on your conscience for the rest of your life if you do something that then results in someone else being killed or seriously injured on the roads.“If you're using an e-bike, or your own push bike for that matter, you have to obey the rules of the road. You have to comply with the Highway Code.”Under proposals set out by the Department for Transport (DfT), boroughs would be able to introduce minimum standards that e-bike companies including Lime, Forest and Voi would have to meetPAPrime Minister Andy Burnham said: “E-bikes can make getting around that bit easier, but when they block pavements or are used irresponsibly they can be a real frustration.“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.“While making the big, long-term changes to make transport better and more affordable for people across the country, this is a small but important everyday fix to make our streets safer.”There are also proposals to introduce insurance requirements for operators, which could make it easier for pedestrians to claim compensation if they are injured in a collision involving a hire e-bike.Transport chiefs say the new powers will give councils more control over how shared cycle schemes operate on their streets, allowing them to set rules that best meet the needs of local communities.Wayne Ting, CEO of 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.” In London, the Transport Secretary is working with the mayor and TfL to give TfL powers to oversee and enforce rules across the capital, replacing the different standards currently applied by individual boroughs.The plans are subject to consultation which launched today.