New e-bike parking rules coming for the UK

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has announced that she will give local leaders the powers to stop ‘wild west’ e-bike parking and tackle antisocial behaviour.

In a statement on Thursday (5 November), the Department for Transport noted that the new schemes would allow popular services run by Lime, Voi, Beryl, Dott, Forest and Bolt to ‘work better for everyone’.

Under the new rules, local leaders will be able to licence schemes in their area, allowing them to enforce minimum standards and better integrate e-bikes into existing transport networks.

Specific measures include:

Measures include:

A parking plan – so they aren’t inconveniencing the public;
A plan for antisocial and illegal behaviour – to prevent users riding shared cycles drunk, underage, or on pavements, and setting out clear consequences such as fines for this behaviour;
Fleet management plans, defined fleet sizes and operating areas – so bikes aren’t overcrowding streets;
A fleet maintenance plan – so that cycles are always safe to use;
Potential insurance requirements for operators so people can claim compensation if they’re hit by someone on a shared cycle.

The government said it is also consulting on whether local leaders should have extra powers, including setting fees and requirements for operators to share data to improve enforcement and journey planning.

“E-bikes can make getting around that bit easier, but when they block pavements or are used irresponsibly, they can be a real frustration,” said Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

“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.”