E-bike parking is set to be tackled under new national standards aimed at ending “wild west” e-bike parking and improving safety.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced that councils will be given greater powers to regulate shared e-bike schemes, allowing them to set clear rules for operators and riders to improve safety, reduce pavement clutter, and better integrate e-bikes into local transport networks.
The proposals include requirements for parking plans to keep pavements clear, particularly for wheelchair users and families with prams, as well as measures to address antisocial behaviour such as riding on pavements, underage use, and riding while intoxicated.
Heidi Alexander, Transport Secretary, 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."
Under the proposed rules, local authorities will be able to license schemes and enforce minimum standards.
They will also be able to set defined fleet sizes, operating areas, and fleet management and maintenance plans.
This will help ensure e-bikes are safe, available where needed, and do not overcrowd public spaces.
The government is consulting on whether councils should have additional powers, such as setting fees and requiring operators to share data to support enforcement and improve planning.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham backed the plans.
He 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.
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"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."
The proposals have been welcomed by e-bike operators, who have called for more consistent regulation across the country.
Agustin Guilisasti, founder and CEO of Forest, said: "When I founded Forest, it was with the hope of a greener London, built around the people who live and work here.
"To see London becoming a cycling city is something to celebrate.
"But to achieve this, we need national standards, and a coherent, well-regulated, London-wide system – better for riders and, importantly, better for pedestrians and the city."
The consultation is part of the government’s broader commitment to promoting active travel.
It has pledged £4.5 billion over the next five years, including a recent investment of £104 million in the UK’s cycling infrastructure, covering 12,000 miles of routes.
Eleanor Briggs, head of policy, public affairs and campaigns at Guide Dogs, welcomed the announcement.
She said: "We welcome the government’s consultation on introducing national standards for shared e-bike schemes, giving local authorities much needed powers to tackle dangerous parking and unsafe use.
"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.
"Guide Dogs frequently hears from people with a vision impairment about irresponsible and antisocial use of e-bikes on pavements, putting pedestrians at risk.
"We look forward to engaging with the consultation and working with government, local authorities and operators to ensure rental schemes are safe, accessible and work for everyone, including people with sight loss."
A consultation launched today sets out proposed national standards to make journeys safer for everyone and keep pavements clear, particularly for wheelchair users and families with prams.
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