Overview
- This week the government launched a public consultation proposing a new licensing and standards regime for dockless hire e‑bike operators.
- Under the plans councils would gain powers to set fines for pavement riding, drunk riding, red light jumping and underage use and to draw up fleet‑management plans and designated parking zones.
- The initial package would apply only to rental schemes used by firms such as Lime, Voi and Forest while privately owned e‑bikes are to be addressed in a separate proposal later.
- Ministers pointed to a sharp rise in police seizures and repeated complaints from pedestrians and disability groups about bikes blocking pavements and unsafe riding as the reason for action.
- Proposals also include potential insurance rules for operators to help injured pedestrians claim compensation and measures to give TfL stronger oversight in London to replace differing borough standards.