Transport for London (TfL) has announced a ban on all non-folded e-bikes on sections of the London transport network beginning 31 March.
The ban, which has been announced following a full review carried out in partnership with the London Fire Brigade, will see a total ban on all non-folding e-bikes, including standard cycles previously electrified using conversion kits.
Services no longer accepting travellers with non-folding e-bikes will include the Tube, Overground, Elizabeth line and DLR.
The decision has been made following an analysis of data collected by TfL that cycles adapted using electronic conversion kits can pose a greater fire risk than those purpose built for electric operation, and TfL has stated that due to potential difficulties in spotting differences between the two, a total ban is necessary.
TfL has also stated that it is not aware of any fires involving foldable e-bikes in London, thus rendering them safer for travel on public services.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:The safety of Londoners is my top priority and, while most e-bikes are safe, there have been a small number of incidents where non-foldable e-bikes have caught fire on the transport system, which have caused me great concern.
This is why, following a comprehensive review of the safety of e-bikes, TfL is banning all non-folding e-bikes on tube and rail services. I have asked TfL to continue to work with Government and partners to improve e-bike safety as we build a safer London for everyone.
Currently, non-folding bikes are not permitted on TfL buses or trams, with a ban also in place for e-bikes on the IFS Cloud Cable Car.
TfL has stated that due to existing safety arrangements, non-foldable e-bikes will continue to be allowed on the Woolwhich Ferry, river services, coach services and on the Silvertown Tunnel Cycle Shuttle Service once operation begins on 7 April.
A full list of cycle restrictions on TfL services can be found on the operator’s website, here.
