The Department for Transport (DfT) is looking to introduce new national standards for shared e-bike schemes and greater powers for local authorities to ‘crack down' on ‘wild west' nuisance parking and antisocial behaviour.

New rules proposed by the Government on 5 November would see shared e-bike schemes operated by companies including Lime, Voi, Beryl, Dott, Forest and Bolt ‘work better for everyone' as they continue to grow in popularity as a transport method.

The proposed new rules 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

Local leaders will also be able to licence schemes in their area, granting them the ability to enforce minimum standards and integrate e-bikes into existing transport networks more efficiently.

 And the proposed plans also include new standards, designed to make journeys safer and keep pavements clear, particularly for those with accessibility needs.

Prime 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.'

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander added: ‘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.'

The transport secretary is also working with mayor Sadiq Khan and Transport for London (TfL) on devolving new powers to TfL to help ensure the rules are implemented and enforced across the capital in an effort to end the ‘postcode lottery' of different standards across different boroughs.

Mayor Khan commented: ‘The "wild west" approach to dockless e-bikes cannot continue. While these services are helping thousands more Londoners to cycle, their rapid growth has also brought challenges around safety, inconsiderate parking and the lack of data needed to properly manage them.

‘I'm pleased to see the Department for Transport setting clear standards and empowering local leaders to better support vital growth in sustainable travel so we can keep building a safer, fairer, greener London for everyone.'

Those who wish to respond to the consultation have until 31 December to do so here.