Shared E-Bike Riders Could Face On-the-Spot Fines
Rental e-bikes could soon come with national rules, and riders who misbehave could be fined on the spot. The government has opened a consultation on the plan.
What riders could be fined for
Under the proposals, people who ride drunk or dangerously on shared e-bikes could be penalised. So could those who jump red lights. The consultation also looks at stopping underage riding and riding on pavements, with clear consequences such as fines.
Enforcement is the awkward part. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said licensing rules could allow for fines. She added that you cannot legislate for every eventuality, and that police have a lot on their plate, so individuals have to take some responsibility.
New duties for the firms that run the bikes
Companies behind shared schemes would be expected to manage their fleets better. They would be expected to provide designated parking areas so pavements stay clear. They could also be required to carry insurance, so that people hit by someone on a shared bike can claim compensation.
Local leaders would be able to license schemes in their area. That would let them set minimum standards and fit e-bikes into existing transport networks. Measures could include a parking plan from each operator, plus limits on fleet sizes and operating areas so bikes do not crowd the streets.
The government is also asking whether local leaders should get extra powers. These include setting fees and requiring operators to share data to help enforcement and journey planning.
Why ministers say it is needed
Ministers described the current situation as the "wild west" of e-biking. They say a patchwork of rules across the country often leaves streets unsafe for pedestrians. The consultation sets out national standards meant to keep pavements clear, particularly for wheelchair users and families with prams.
Shared e-bikes first launched in Exeter in 2016 and reached London a year later. The Greater London Authority says 37 million trips were taken on dockless e-bikes last year, a third more than the year before. Lime, Voi, Beryl, Dott, Forest and Bolt are among the brands. Some areas allow bikes to be left only in set places, while others have looser rules.
Reaction from operators and campaigners
Bosses at Lime, Voi and Bolt all welcomed the proposals. They said consistent standards across the country would bring clarity and certainty to operators, riders and the public.
Mike Wordingham of the Royal National Institute for the Blind said 92% of blind and partially sighted people had been forced to walk into roads because e-bikes block pavements. He welcomed the announcement but warned that tackling rider behaviour would be difficult. A locally led approach, he said, should not lead to inconsistency.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham called the clampdown a small but important everyday fix. Alexander said the government wants schemes to grow in popularity, but accepted they are causing a little nuisance at the moment.
Timetable
The consultation runs for eight weeks. After that, the government will draw up legislation to bring in the changes.
Source: BBC News